Question

How do you solve the equation \[|3x - 1| = 10\] ?

Answer 1

Hint: Here the equation is an algebraic equation that is a combination of constant and variables. we have to solve the given equation for variable x. Since the equation involves the modulus, by using the definition of modulus or absolute value and simple arithmetic operation we determine the value of x.

Complete step by step solution:
Now consider the given question \[|3x - 1| = 10\]
By the definition of absolute number we are determined the unknown variable and
By definition the modulus, separate \[|3x - 1| = 10\] into two equations:
 \[3x - 1 = 10\] (1)
 and
 \[ - \left( {3x - 1} \right) = 10\] (2)
Consider the equation (1)
 \[ \Rightarrow 3x - 1 = 10\]
Add both side by +1, then
 \[ \Rightarrow 3x - 1 + 1 = 10 + 1\]
On simplification, we get
 \[ \Rightarrow 3x = 11\]
Divide the above equation by 7 we have
 \[\therefore x = \dfrac{{11}}{3}\]
Now consider the equation (2)
 \[ \Rightarrow - \left( {3x - 1} \right) = 10\]
First multiply the -ve sign inside to the parenthesis on LHS.
 \[ \Rightarrow - 3x + 1 = 10\]
Add -1 on both side, then
 \[ \Rightarrow - 3x + 1 - 1 = 10 - 1\]
On simplification, we get
 \[ \Rightarrow - 3x = 9\]
Divide the above equation by -3 on both side
 \[\therefore x = - 3\]
Hence, the value of x in the equation \[|3x - 1| = 10\] is -3 and \[\dfrac{{11}}{3}\] .
Verification:
Put x=-3 to the equation \[|3x - 1|\] , then
 \[ \Rightarrow |3( - 3) - 1|\]
 \[ \Rightarrow | - 9 - 1| = | - 10|\]
By the definition of modulus \[| - x| = x\] , then
 \[ \Rightarrow 10\]
 \[\therefore |3x - 1| = 10\]
And
Put \[x = \dfrac{{11}}{3}\] to the equation \[|3x - 1|\] , then
 \[ \Rightarrow \left| {3\left( {\dfrac{{11}}{3}} \right) - 1} \right|\]
 \[ \Rightarrow |11 - 1| = |10|\]
 \[ \Rightarrow 10\]
 \[\therefore |3x - 1| = 10\]
Hence verified.

Note: The algebraic equation or an expression is a combination of variables and constants, it also contains the coefficient. The alphabets are known as variables. The x, y, z etc., are called as variables. The numerals are known as constants. The numeral of a variable is known as co-efficient. we must know about the modulus definition.