PEAZIT Aha card
Go straight to resources ↓Absolute value: two places equally far away
|x − 2| = 3 means x is 3 units from 2, to the left or right.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| x − 2 = 3 | The point to the right of the centre. |
| x − 2 = −3 | The point to the left of the centre. |
| x = 5; x = −1 | Both values are 3 units from 2. |
One worked example
- x − 2 = 3The point to the right of the centre.
- x − 2 = −3The point to the left of the centre.
- x = 5; x = −1Both values are 3 units from 2.
Watch out: An absolute value is nonnegative. A zero right side gives one branch; a negative right side gives no solution.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Solve an equation expressing distance from a number.
What you need first: Number lines and simple linear equations.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
Show connections
|x − 2| = 3 means x is 3 units from 2, to the left or right.