Example

Try It: Solving ∣x∣=11|x| = 11, ∣y∣=−5|y| = -5, and ∣z∣=0|z| = 0

To further reinforce the skill of solving basic absolute value equations, evaluate the equations ∣x∣=11|x| = 11, ∣y∣=−5|y| = -5, and ∣z∣=0|z| = 0. Starting with ∣x∣=11|x| = 11, the equation splits into the two distinct equivalent statements x=−11x = -11 or x=11x = 11. Next, the equation ∣y∣=−5|y| = -5 explicitly equals a negative value; because absolute value intrinsically measures a non-negative distance, this equation has no valid solution. Finally, for ∣z∣=0|z| = 0, because the distance from zero is strictly zero, the only mathematical solution is z=0z = 0.

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Updated 2026-06-03

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