College Math Placement Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What is the solution to the equation |x - 5| = 3?

x = 2 or x = 8

To solve the equation |x - 5| = 3, we begin by recalling the definition of the absolute value function. The equation |A| = B implies two scenarios: either A = B or A = -B.

In this case, we set up two separate equations based on the absolute value:

1. x - 5 = 3

2. x - 5 = -3

For the first equation, we solve for x:

- x - 5 = 3

- x = 3 + 5

- x = 8

For the second equation, we also solve for x:

- x - 5 = -3

- x = -3 + 5

- x = 2

Thus, the solutions to the original equation |x - 5| = 3 are x = 2 and x = 8. This means that the correct answer is the choice that reflects these two solutions.

This understanding of how absolute values work allows us to effectively break down the problem into two simpler linear equations, leading us directly to the correct solution.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

x = 3 or x = 7

x = 4 or x = 6

x = -3 or x = 5

Next Question

Report this question

Download College Math Placement Practice Test PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy