How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

To solve an equation containing absolute value, isolate the absolute value on one side of the equation. Then set its contents equal to both the positive and negative value of the number on the other side of the equation and solve both equations.

Example 1

Solve | x | + 2 = 5. 

Isolate the absolute value.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Set the contents of the absolute value portion equal to +3 and –3.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Answer: 3, –3 

Example 2

Solve 3| x – 1| – 1 = 11. 

Isolate the absolute value.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Set the contents of the absolute value portion equal to +4 and –4.

Solving for x,

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Answer: 5, –3 

Solving inequalities containing absolute value and graphing

To solve an inequality containing absolute value, begin with the same steps as for solving equations with absolute value. When creating the comparisons to both the + and – of the other side of the inequality, reverse the direction of the inequality when comparing with the negative. 

Example 3

Solve and graph the answer: | x – 1| > 2. 

Notice that the absolute value expression is already isolated.

| x – 1| > 2 

Compare the contents of the absolute value portion to both 2 and –2. Be sure to reverse the direction of the inequality when comparing it with –2.

Solve for x. 

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Graph the answer (see Figure 1). 

Figure 1. The graphic solution to | x – 1| > 2.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Example 4

Solve and graph the answer: 3| x| – 2 ≤ 1. 

Isolate the absolute value.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Compare the contents of the absolute value portion to both 1 and –1. Be sure to reverse the direction of the inequality when comparing it with –1.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Graph the answer (see Figure 2). 

Figure 2. Graphing the solution to 3| x| – 2 ≤ 1.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Example 5

Solve and graph the answer: 2|1 – x| + 1 ≥ 3. 

Isolate the absolute value.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Compare the contents of the absolute value portion to both 1 and –1. Be sure to reverse the direction of the inequality when comparing it with –1.

Solve for x. 

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

(Remember to switch the direction of the inequality when dividing by a negative)

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

Graph the answer (see Figure 3). 

Figure 3. Graphing the solution 2|1 – x| + 1 ≥ 3.

How to solve absolute value equations with fractions

How do you find absolute value of a fraction?

"Absolute value" Is just the distance from zero in either the positive or negative direction. 1/2 and -1/2 is written as |1/2| in absolute terms and is true for any value |x|. If absolute you mean a decimal value then 1/2 is 0.5 but 1/3 hasn't got a decimal equivalent.

What are the 3 steps to solving absolute value equations?

We will be using the following 3-step process that can be used to solve any absolute value equation:.
STEP ONE: Isolate the Absolute Value. ... .
STEP TWO: Solve for Positive AND Solve for Negative. ... .
STEP THREE: Check Your Answer..

How do you solve an absolute value equation step by step?

SOLVING EQUATIONS CONTAINING ABSOLUTE VALUE(S).
Step 1: Isolate the absolute value expression..
Step2: Set the quantity inside the absolute value notation equal to + and - the quantity on the other side of the equation..
Step 3: Solve for the unknown in both equations..
Step 4: Check your answer analytically or graphically..