Solve for x |x-2|=5

$| x - 2 | = 5$

Step 1

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

$x - 2 = \pm 5$

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.

$x - 2 = 5$

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

Add $2$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 5 + 2$

Add $5$ and $2$ .

$x = 7$

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

$x - 2 = - 5$

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

Add $2$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = - 5 + 2$

Add $- 5$ and $2$ .

$x = - 3$

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

$x = 7, - 3$