Question 3 on the MAT0020/24C Beginning Algebra State Exam

Absolute Value (with Addition and Subtraction)

Solution:

Simplify: 

You need to know order of operations.

In this problem, the first step would be to complete what is inside the absolute value, the absolute value is acting similar to parenthesis.

The next step is to take the absolute value:

The next step is complete the addition:

The solution is:  15

Practice Problems for Question 3

Absolute Value (with Addition and Subtraction)

Solutions Below

1.  Simplify: 

a.  37                           b.  19                           c.  -11                          d.  7

2.  Simplify: 

a.  15                           b.  3                             c.  -3                            d.  -15

3.  Simplify: 

a.  25                           b.  15                           c.  -15                          d.  3

4.  Simplify: 

a.  15                           b.  13                           c.  17                           d.  5

Solutions:

1.  b                 2.  c                 3.  b                 4.  d