How do you solve -2|5v| = 40 for v?

-2|5v| = 40

---

Absolute value is the distance away from zero.

-2|5v| = 40
|5v| = -20  {divided each side by -2, isolating the absolute value}

This says the distance that 5v is away from zero, is -20.  That is not possible.  Distance cannot be negative.

= no solution

Ask Algebra House