Solve for x |x+2|=4

$| x + 2 | = 4$

Step 1

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

$x + 2 = \pm 4$

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.

$x + 2 = 4$

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

Subtract $2$ from both sides of the equation.

$x = 4 - 2$

Subtract $2$ from $4$ .

$x = 2$

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

$x + 2 = - 4$

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

Subtract $2$ from both sides of the equation.

$x = - 4 - 2$

Subtract $2$ from $- 4$ .

$x = - 6$

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

$x = 2, - 6$