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Advanced Math / Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables Difficulty: Hard

24-x+34-x=25

What is the positive solution to the given equation?

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Explanation

The correct answer is 9 . The given equation can be rewritten as 54-x=25. Dividing each side of this equation by 5 yields 4-x=5. By the definition of absolute value, if 4-x=5, then 4-x=5 or 4-x=-5. Subtracting 4 from each side of the equation 4-x=5 yields -x=1. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields x=-1. Similarly, subtracting 4 from each side of the equation 4-x=-5 yields -x=-9. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields x=9. Therefore, since the two solutions to the given equation are -1 and 9 , the positive solution to the given equation is 9 .