Absolute-value and radical equations
Nonlinear equations and systems · Stage 3
Recognize the pattern
An absolute-value equation can split into positive and negative cases.
Useful rule|x−a|=b
Build on: ADM-01
Try it before reading the solution
Solve |x − 3| = 5.
This teaching example is original and is not an official SAT question.
Reasoning
Solve x−3=5 and x−3=−5.
Answerx = 8 or x = −2
03 · Next step
See membership →Ready for adaptive practice
Practice questions remain in English, as on the SAT.