Q. Solve for all values of a in simplest form.15=∣15−3a∣Answer: a=
Understand absolute value equation: Understand the absolute value equation.The absolute value of a number is the distance of that number from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. Therefore, ∣15−3a∣ can be either 15−3a or −(15−3a) because the absolute value of a number is always non-negative.
Set up two equations: Set up two separate equations to solve for a. Since the absolute value expression can be positive or negative, we have two cases: Case 1: 15−3a=15 Case 2: −(15−3a)=15
Solve for a in Case 1: Solve for a in Case 1.15−3a=15Subtract 15 from both sides:15−3a−15=15−15−3a=0Divide both sides by −3:a=0/−3a=0
Solve for a in Case 2: Solve for a in Case 2.−(15−3a)=15Multiply both sides by −1 to remove the negative sign:15−3a=−15Subtract 15 from both sides:15−3a−15=−15−15−3a=−30Divide both sides by −3:a=−30/−3a0
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