Solve the Absolute Value Equation: |-4x| = 12

Question

4x=12 \left|-4x\right|=12

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation 4x=12 \left|-4x\right|=12 , we consider the definition of absolute value:

1. The expression inside the absolute value can be either positive or negative, but its absolute value is always positive.

2. Therefore, we set up two equations to solve:

4x=12 -4x = 12 and 4x=12 -4x = -12

3. Solving the first equation:

4x=12 -4x = 12

4. Divide both sides by -4:

x=3 x = -3

5. Solving the second equation:

4x=12 -4x = -12

6. Divide both sides by -4:

x=3 x = 3

7. Therefore, the solution is:

x=3 x=-3 , x=3 x=3

Answer

x=3 x=-3 , x=3 x=3