There are 3 steps to solving equations involving ABSOLUTE VALUE:
1. Apply the rule that says: If |x| = k, then x = k and/or x = -k
2. Solve the resulting equations
3. Plug solutions into original equation to check for extraneous roots

Given: |14–x|=24/(x−4)

So, we need to check 14–x = 24/(x−4) and 14–x = -24/(x−4)

14–x = 24/(x−4)
Multiply both sides by (x-4) to get: (14–x)(x−4) = 24
Expand: -x² + 18x - 56 = 24
Rearrange to get: x² - 18x + 80 = 0
Factor: (x - 10)(x - 8) = 0
So, x = 10 or x = 8

Test each solution:
If x = 10, then we get: |14–10|=24/(10−4)
Simplify: |4|=4 PERFECT!
So, x = 10 is a possible solution

If x = 8, then we get: |14–8|=24/(8−4)
Simplify: |6|=6 PERFECT!
So, x = 8 is a possible solution

14–x = -24/(x−4)
Multiply both sides by (x-4) to get: (14–x)(x−4) = -24
Expand: -x² + 18x - 56 = -24
Rearrange to get: x² - 18x + 32 = 0
Factor: (x - 2)(x - 16) = 0
So, x = 2 or x = 16

Test each solution:
If x = 2, then we get: |14–2|=24/(2−4)
Simplify: |12|=-12 DOESN'T WORK
So, x = 2 is NOT a possible solution

If x = 16, then we get: |14–16|=24/(16−4)
Simplify: |-2|=2 PERFECT!
So, x = 16 is a possible solution

So, the possible solutions are 8, 10 and 16
Range = 16 - 8 = 8

Answer:

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Brent Hanneson – Founder of gmatprepnow.com

pushpitkc , Is it possible to solve this question using the number line?

It took me more than 2 minutes to solve this question. I normally prefer the number line, but in this case I just couldn't use it.
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