Solving Sentences Involving "Plus or Minus"

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SOLVING SENTENCES INVOLVING "PLUS OR MINUS"

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An example is given below. For a complete discussion, read the text.

EXAMPLE:
Solve: 2x - 1 = ±5

Solution:
Be sure to write a nice, clean list of equivalent sentences.

2x - 1 = ± 5	(original sentence)
2x - 1 = 5 or 2x - 1 = -5	(expand the shorthand)
2x = 6 or 2x = -4	(add 1 to both sides of both equations)
x = 3 or x = -2	(divide both sides of both equations by 2)

Answer: x = 3 or x = -2

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