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Two scenarios

1) \(x<-2\)

2) \(x \geq -2\)


The first implies \((-2-x)^2-5(-2-x)=-6 \implies x_1=-5, x_2=-4\)

The second implies \((x+2)^2-5(x+2)=-6 \implies x_3=0, x_4=1\)

Bunuel Now that I am thinking about it, does it matter whether we denote the ranges that we test as (\(x<-2\) or \(x \geq -2\)) or as (\(x \leq -2\) or \(x>-2\))?
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SchruteDwight
Two scenarios

1) \(x<-2\)

2) \(x \geq -2\)


The first implies \((-2-x)^2-5(-2-x)=-6 \implies x_1=-5, x_2=-4\)

The second implies \((x+2)^2-5(x+2)=-6 \implies x_3=0, x_4=1\)

Bunuel Now that I am thinking about it, does it matter whether we denote the ranges that we test as (\(x<-2\) or \(x \geq -2\)) or as (\(x \leq -2\) or \(x>-2\))?

As long as you include -2 in one of the ranges, it does not matter in which range you include it.
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Great, thank you!
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When we solve for
|x+2|^2-5|x+2|=-6 there are two solutions
i is->
x+2^2-5(x+2)=-6 or
ii is->
-(x+2)^2+5(x+2)=-6

Solve 1st equation->
x^2+4x+4-5x-10=-6
x^2-x=0
x(x-1)=0
x=0 or x=1
since one of the value of x is 0 so product of all the values of x will always be 0.
Since 0*a=0.

We don't even need to solve the second equation.
Answer is D.
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One of the answer choice is 0. So quickly check by plugging in weather 0 is a solution or not.

LHS = 2^2 - 5|2| = 4-10 = -6 = RHS

Hence, 0 is a solution. Thus, no need to solve any equation, just mark D and click next :D
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Great question! I have a big doubt. For absolute values questions, in which cases do I have to check the solutions? I substituted the value of the 4 solutions in the equation (x=0, x=-4, x=1, and x=-5) and spend some time on it. I know that for this Q when you got the 0 in the solutions, you could stop there, but I'm asking for other questions.

Thanks!
Bunuel
What is the product of all possible solutions of the equation \(|x + 2|^2 - 5|x + 2| = -6\)?


A. -20
B. -5
C. -4
D. 0
E. 20
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Rod728
Great question! I have a big doubt. For absolute values questions, in which cases do I have to check the solutions? I substituted the value of the 4 solutions in the equation (x=0, x=-4, x=1, and x=-5) and spend some time on it. I know that for this Q when you got the 0 in the solutions, you could stop there, but I'm asking for other questions.

Thanks!
Bunuel
What is the product of all possible solutions of the equation \(|x + 2|^2 - 5|x + 2| = -6\)?


A. -20
B. -5
C. -4
D. 0
E. 20

This is a broad question and depends on several factors, such as the type of question and the approach you're using. Generally, you need to check the solutions when squaring is involved, as it can introduce extraneous solutions. You should also check the solutions when you open the modulus with different signs and you don't consider the ranges beforehand.

For example, if we square |x + 9| = 2x to get rid of the modulus and solve the resulting quadratic equation, x^2 - 6x - 27 = 0, we get x = -3 and x = 9. However, x = -3 does not satisfy |x + 9| = 2x, so only x = 9 is valid. Thus, squaring introduced the extraneous solution x = -3.

Similarly, if we open |x + 9| as x + 9 and -(x + 9) to solve two equations: x + 9 = 2x and -(x + 9) = 2x, we again get two solutions: x = 9 and x = -3. Once more, x = -3 is not valid. In this case, you'd need to plug back the solutions to verify their validity.

The proper approach would be to consider two ranges:

1. When x < -9, x + 9 < 0, so |x + 9| = -(x + 9). Solving -(x + 9) = 2x gives x = -3. However, x = -3 is not in the range x < -9, so it's invalid.

2. When x ≥ -9, x + 9 ≥ 0, so |x + 9| = x + 9. Solving x + 9 = 2x gives x = 9, which is valid for the range x ≥ -9.

With this approach, you compare the solutions with the ranges considered, so you don't need to plug the solutions back into the equation—they are already verified against the ranges.

Hope this clarifies things!

10. Absolute Value



For more check Ultimate GMAT Quantitative Megathread



Hope it helps.­
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