Solve for x |x|-11=-8

$| x | - 11 = - 8$

Step 1

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

Add $11$ to both sides of the equation.

$| x | = - 8 + 11$

Add $- 8$ and $11$ .

$| x | = 3$

Step 2

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

$x = \pm 3$

Step 3

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.

$x = 3$

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

$x = - 3$

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

$x = 3, - 3$