Analyze the solution shown.


1. –|–x| = 7: given


2. |–x| = –7: multiplication property of equality


3. –x = 7 or –x = –7: definition of absolute value


4. x = –7 or x = 7: multiplication property of equality


5. Check: –|–(–7)| = 7, –7 ≠ 7


–|–7| = 7, 7 = 7


Negative times negative is positive.


Determine the flaws in the solution.


The multiplication property of equality in Step 2 should result in |x| = 7.

The definition of absolute value is applied incorrectly. There is no solution.

The reason in Step 4 should be the addition property of equality.

The multiplication property of equality in Step 4 should result in only x = 7.

In evaluating the solutions, the absolute value should be simplified first to get a positive value.