What is wrong with this solution?

Question

I 11x-4 I = -26

11X -4= -26 OR 11x-4= 26

11x= -22 11x= 30

x= -2 x=30/11

Answer 1

The answer to an absolute function can never be negative.  

Answer 2

I 11x - 4 I = -26

+ (11x - 4) = -26

11x - 4 = -26

11x = -22

x = -2

- (11x - 4) = -26

-11x + 4 = -26

-11x = -30

11x = 30

x = 30/11

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ALWAYS CHECK YOUR ANSWER

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I 11x - 4 I = -26 ← { Plug -2 in place of x }

I 11(-2) - 4 I = -26

I -22 - 4 I = -26

I -26 I = -26 ← checks!

I 11x - 4 I = -26 ← { Plug (-30/11) in place of x }

I 11*(30/11) - 4 I = -26

I 30 - 4 I = -26

I 26 I = -26 ← Although this appears to be correct, it isn't.

This is a ' false ' statement.

The absolute value of 26 equals positive 26 and negative 26.

26 ≠ -26

Good luck in your studies,

~ Mitch ~