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Advanced Math · Absolute Value Equations

SAT Absolute Value Equations Practice Questions (Free + Explanations) | Quiz 5

Question 12345 of 5

Question 1 of 5

On a number line representing positions in meters along a trail, a marker is placed at . A sensor can detect motion only at points that are exactly meters from the marker. Which equation can be used to find all possible positions where motion can be detected?

Explanation

Distance on a number line is modeled with absolute value. The distance between a position and the marker at is . Since the sensor detects motion at points exactly meters away, the equation is

This equation gives two possible positions, one units to the left of and one units to the right.

Concept summary

For a point that is a fixed distance from a value on a number line, use the model .

Question 2 of 5

A marine research buoy records ocean temperature relative to its target temperature of 18^0\text{C}. At a certain time, the temperature reading was x^0\text{C}. The system reports that the reading was exactly 3^0\text{C} away from the target, and the reading was above 16^0\text{C}. Which value could be ?

Explanation

Being exactly 3^0\text{C} away from the target temperature of 18^0\text{C} means

So the possible temperatures are

The problem also says the reading was above 16^0\text{C}, so does not work. Therefore, the value of could be .

Concept summary

An absolute value equation like represents numbers that are units away from . After finding both possible values, use any extra condition to choose the one that works.

Question 3 of 5

For how many real values of does the equation

hold?

Explanation

Break the expression into intervals based on where the absolute values change sign: at and .

If , then

So,

Set this equal to :

which fits this interval.

If , then

So,

Since , there are no solutions in this interval.

If , then

So,

Set this equal to :

which fits this interval.

There are real solutions, so the correct answer is .

Concept summary

To solve equations with two absolute values, split the number line at the critical points where each absolute value changes definition, then solve on each interval and check which solutions belong there.

Question 4 of 5

For all real numbers , the expression is equivalent to which of the following?

Explanation

Since , the expressions and are equal because absolute value makes opposites have the same value. So

Therefore, the equivalent expression is .

Concept summary

Use the fact that . When two absolute value expressions differ only by a sign inside, they are equal and can be combined.

Question 5 of 5

In the -plane, the graph of intersects the line . What is the distance between the two intersection points?

Explanation

Set the two expressions for equal:

Adding to both sides gives

This means or , so the intersection points have -coordinates and . Since both points lie on the horizontal line , the distance between them is the difference in their -coordinates:

Concept summary

To find where a graph with absolute value meets a line, set the equations equal and solve the absolute value equation. If the line is horizontal, the distance between intersection points is the difference between their -coordinates.

Your results

0of 5 correct

Estimated SAT Math band

500-550

Illustrative range from this short quiz—not an official College Board score.

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Your results

1of 5 correct

Estimated SAT Math band

500-550

Illustrative range from this short quiz—not an official College Board score.

Adaptive practice, weak-area review, and timed tests live in the MCQsLearn app—pick up where you left off on your phone.

More SAT Math practice

Your results

2of 5 correct

Estimated SAT Math band

600-650

Illustrative range from this short quiz—not an official College Board score.

Adaptive practice, weak-area review, and timed tests live in the MCQsLearn app—pick up where you left off on your phone.

More SAT Math practice

Your results

3of 5 correct

Estimated SAT Math band

600-650

Illustrative range from this short quiz—not an official College Board score.

Adaptive practice, weak-area review, and timed tests live in the MCQsLearn app—pick up where you left off on your phone.

More SAT Math practice

Your results

4of 5 correct

Estimated SAT Math band

700+

Illustrative range from this short quiz—not an official College Board score.

Adaptive practice, weak-area review, and timed tests live in the MCQsLearn app—pick up where you left off on your phone.

More SAT Math practice

Your results

5of 5 correct

Estimated SAT Math band

700+

Illustrative range from this short quiz—not an official College Board score.

Adaptive practice, weak-area review, and timed tests live in the MCQsLearn app—pick up where you left off on your phone.

More SAT Math practice