Solve for m 12=|m+8|

$12 = | m + 8 |$

Rewrite the equation as $| m + 8 | = 12$ .

$| m + 8 | = 12$

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

$m + 8 = \pm 12$

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.

$m + 8 = 12$

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

Subtract $8$ from both sides of the equation.

$m = 12 - 8$

Subtract $8$ from $12$ .

$m = 4$

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

$m + 8 = - 12$

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

Subtract $8$ from both sides of the equation.

$m = - 12 - 8$

Subtract $8$ from $- 12$ .

$m = - 20$

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

$m = 4, - 20$