Solve for x |x+9|=11

$| x + 9 | = 11$

Step 1

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

$x + 9 = \pm 11$

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.

$x + 9 = 11$

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

Subtract $9$ from both sides of the equation.

$x = 11 - 9$

Subtract $9$ from $11$ .

$x = 2$

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

$x + 9 = - 11$

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

Subtract $9$ from both sides of the equation.

$x = - 11 - 9$

Subtract $9$ from $- 11$ .

$x = - 20$

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

$x = 2, - 20$