If 5|5-x|=3, what is the sum of all the possible values of x ?

Question

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 10
E. 13

JohnGalt1 · Answer

Well we have to solve two equation
=> 5-x=3/5 -> x= 22/5
=> -5+x=3/5 -> x= 28/5
- > Sum it up 22/5+28/5 =50/5 = 10

KarishmaB · Answer

5*|5-x|=3 |x - 5| = \frac{3}{5} x is at a distance of 3/5 from 5. So one value will be 3/5 more than 5 and the other value will be 3/5 less than 5. If we add them up, the excess of 3/5 will cancel off with the deficit of 3/5 to give you just two 5s i.e. a total of 10. Answer (D) For more on this method, check: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2011/0 ... edore-did/

BrushMyQuant · Answer

Given that 5|5-x|=3 and we need to find the sum of all the possible values of x

To open 5|5-x|=3 we need to take two cases (Watch this video to know about the Basics of Absolute Value)

Case 1: Assume that whatever is inside the Absolute Value/Modulus is non-negative

=> 5 - x ≥ 0 => x ≤ 5

|5 - x| = 5 - x (as if A ≥ 0 then |A| = A)
=> 5*(5-x) = 3
=> 5 - x = \(\frac{3}{5}\)
=> x = 5 - \(\frac{3}{5}\) = \(\frac{25 - 3}{5}\) = \(\frac{22}{5}\) = 4.4
And our condition was x ≤ 5. Definitely 4.4 ≤ 5
=> x = 4.4 is a solution

Case 2: Assume that whatever is inside the Absolute Value/Modulus is Negative

5 - x < 0 => x > 5
|5 - x| = -(5 - x) (as if A < 0 then |A| = -A)
=> 5*-(5-x) = 3
=> -5 + x = \(\frac{3}{5}\)
=> x = 5 + \(\frac{3}{5}\) = \(\frac{25 + 3}{5}\) = \(\frac{28}{5}\) = 5.6
And our condition was x > 5. Definitely 5.6 > 5
=> x = 5.6 is a solution

=> Sum of all possible values of x = 4.4 + 5.6 = 10

So, Answer will be D
Hope it helps!

Watch the following video to learn How to Solve Absolute Value Problems

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If 5|5-x|=3, what is the sum of all the possible values of x ?

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If 5|5-x|=3, what is the sum of all the possible values of x ?

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