Absolute Equation: Solving for x with 2(2)^0.5 and (5)^0.5

[EternityMech]

Homework Statement

|2(2)^0.5 -3|+|3+(5)^0.5|=x

Homework Equations

why is the answer 6-2(2)^0.5 +(5)^0.5

and not 2(2)^0.5 + (5)^0.5

The Attempt at a Solution

the answer multiplied - into the first absolute. why arent the other combos the answer?

 

[Mark44]

Homework Statement

|2(2)^0.5 -3|+|3+(5)^0.5|=x

Homework Equations

why is the answer 6-2(2)^0.5 +(5)^0.5

and not 2(2)^0.5 + (5)^0.5

Because 2sqrt(2) - 3 is negative. The absolute value of a negative number is the negative of that number. IOW |2sqrt(2) - 3| = -(2sqrt(2) - 3) = 3 - 2sqrt(2).

The Attempt at a Solution

the answer multiplied - into the first absolute. why arent the other combos the answer?

 

[EternityMech]

oops missed that thanks man.