ACT Math · Linear equations and inequalities

If f(x) = |2x - 6|, for what values of x does f(x) = 10?

If f(x)=∣2x−6∣f(x) = |2x - 6|, for what values of xx does f(x)=10f(x) = 10?

Answer and explanation

Answer: J: x = 8 or x = -2

Set ∣2x−6∣=10|2x-6|=10 and split into two cases. If 2x−6=102x-6=10, then 2x=162x=16 and x=8x=8. If 2x−6=−102x-6=-10, then 2x=−42x=-4 and x=−2x=-2. The solutions are 88 and −2-2, choice J. Check: ∣2(8)−6∣=10|2(8)-6|=10 and ∣2(−2)−6∣=∣−10∣=10|2(-2)-6|=|-10|=10. Choice F (88 only) and choice H (−2-2 only) each give just one solution. Choice G (22 or −8-8) has the signs reversed: ∣2(2)−6∣=2|2(2)-6|=2, not 1010. A positive absolute value equation has two solutions, one from each case. Both solutions must be reported.

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