solve |x+1|=4 — step-by-step solution | Explain MAths

solve |x+1|=4

Let's solve in

ℝ

:

| x + 1 | = 4

Since

4 \geq 0

,

| x + 1 | = 4

is equivalent to

x + 1 = 4

or

x + 1 = -4

Let's solve in

ℝ

:

x + 1 = 4

ⓘ We subtract

1

from both sides

x = 4 - 1

ⓘ Start from

4

and move back

1

on the number line:

4 - 1

=

3

Solution found:

x = 3

We solve in

ℝ

:

x + 1 = -4

ⓘ Subtract

1

from both sides

x = - 4 - 1

ⓘ Start from

-4

and move back

1

more on the number line, away from zero:

- 4 - 1

=

-5

Solution found:

x = -5

▶Solution:

x = {-5, 3}