Find All Complex Solutions |x-4|=8

$| x - 4 | = 8$

Step 1

Remove the absolute value term. This creates a $\pm$ on the right side of the equation because $| x | = \pm x$ .

$x - 4 = \pm 8$

Step 2

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$x - 4 = 8$

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Add $4$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 8 + 4$

Add $8$ and $4$ .

$x = 12$

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$x - 4 = - 8$

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

Add $4$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = - 8 + 4$

Add $- 8$ and $4$ .

$x = - 4$

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$x = 12, - 4$