Question

Absolute value

9 [9 - 8x] = 2× + 3

9 [9 -6×] =3
9 [-6x] = -6
54x = -6

x= -1/9 , × = 1/9

Is this correct? If not could you explain please.
Thank you

Answer 1

you need to get your typing straight

× is the symbol for multiplication
x is a variable name

9 (9 - 8x) = 2x + 3
81 - 72x = 2x + 3
78 = 74x
x = 78/74 = 39/37

Note that you cannot subtract the 2x inside the parentheses. You have to expand the left side first.

Try it with numbers:

3(2+5) = 19+2
Try subtracting the 2 as you did the 2x:
3(2+3) = 19 ???

And even if you could, -8x-2x = -10x

Answer 2

You titled it absolute value, so I will assume you are using "[" for absolute value.

I read your question as

9|9-8x| = 2x+3
then 9(9-8x) = 2x+3 OR 9(9-8x) = -2x-3

case1: 9(9-8x) = 2x+2 <--- Steve did that one

case2:
9(9-8x) = -2x-3
81 - 72x = -2x - 3
-70x = -84
x = 84/70 = 6/5

check:
LS = 9|9 - 8(6/5)|
= 9|-3/5| = 27/5
RS = 2(6/5)+3
= 27/5
= LS

so x = 39/37 (Steve's) or x = 6/5

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=solve+9%7C9-8x%7C+%3D+2x%2B3