Modulus Equation Solver: |Ax + B| = C
Understanding Modulus Equations
A modulus equation, also known as an absolute value equation, is an equation that contains an absolute value expression. The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. For example, |5| = 5 and |-5| = 5. This means that an absolute value expression can result in two possible values for the expression inside the absolute value bars.
The General Form: |Ax + B| = C
Our calculator focuses on solving modulus equations of the form |Ax + B| = C, where A, B, and C are constants, and x is the variable we want to solve for. Understanding the properties of absolute values is key to solving these equations.
How to Solve Modulus Equations
The core principle for solving |Ax + B| = C depends on the value of C:
Case 1: C is Negative (C < 0)
If C is a negative number, there are no real solutions for x. This is because the absolute value of any real number (or expression) must be non-negative (zero or positive). It cannot equal a negative number.
Example: |2x + 3| = -5
Since the right side is negative, there are no real solutions.
Case 2: C is Zero (C = 0)
If C is zero, then the expression inside the absolute value must be zero. This leads to a single linear equation:
Ax + B = 0
Solving for x gives: x = -B / A (provided A is not zero).
Example: |3x - 6| = 0
3x - 6 = 0
3x = 6
x = 2
Case 3: C is Positive (C > 0)
If C is a positive number, then the expression inside the absolute value can be either C or -C. This leads to two separate linear equations:
Ax + B = CAx + B = -C
You solve each of these equations independently to find the two possible values for x.
Example: |2x + 1| = 7
Equation 1:
2x + 1 = 7
2x = 6
x = 3
Equation 2:
2x + 1 = -7
2x = -8
x = -4
So, the solutions are x = 3 and x = -4.
Special Case: When A = 0
If the coefficient A is zero, the equation simplifies to |B| = C.
- If
|B| = Cis true (e.g.,|5| = 5), then the equation is true for all real numbers x. This means any value of x will satisfy the equation. - If
|B| = Cis false (e.g.,|5| = 3), then there are no real solutions for x.
Our calculator handles this special case to provide accurate results.
Using the Calculator
Simply input the values for A, B, and C from your modulus equation |Ax + B| = C into the respective fields. Click "Calculate Solutions" to see the real solutions for x, or a message indicating no solutions or infinite solutions.