Math: solving an absolute value equation with the Sharp el-520w equation solver

The tutor shows absolute value on the Sharp el-520w.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, absolute value of x, commonly written |x|, can be defined as follows:

I can’t find a dedicated absolute value function on the Sharp el-520w; however, it certainly does have square root and square functions. Consider the following example:

Solve the equation |x| = -2x + 7

Solution: We’ll use the Sharp el-520w equation solver. First, we can rewrite the equation as

(x2)0.5 +2x -7 = 0

Next, we enter the equation, pressing = but not 0. Then, press MATH, then 0 (for SOLV). It asks for a start point (0 is fine, then ENTER), then a step size (you can just go with what it suggests, so just press ENTER again).

Hopefully you’ll be rewarded with the answer 2.3333.

There we have it: absolute value handled with the Sharp el-520w:)

Source:

Sharp el-520w Operation Manual.

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.

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