Solve for x |x-8|=3

$| x - 8 | = 3$

Step 1

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

$x - 8 = \pm 3$

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.

$x - 8 = 3$

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

Add $8$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = 3 + 8$

Add $3$ and $8$ .

$x = 11$

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

$x - 8 = - 3$

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

Add $8$ to both sides of the equation.

$x = - 3 + 8$

Add $- 3$ and $8$ .

$x = 5$

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

$x = 11, 5$