The equation of the function is:

f(x)=4-2(x-6)^1/3, for x not equal to 5

calculate precisely the value of f(x).

so I got this:

5=4-2(x-6)^1/3
1=-2(x-6)^1/3
(-1/2)=(x-6)^1/3
(-1/2)^3=(x-6)
-.125=x-6

now the next step is suposed to be this but I don't understand how they got it.

abs[x-5]=0.875

If you solve for x using my orginal simplification I got 5.875 but this istn' right.

4 answers

You can't solve "precisely" for the value of x unless you say what x is.

You have only said what x is NOT equal to. Is the word NOT there by mistake?
well it said that in the book but it wants you to solve for x IF the function is equal to 5.
<< it wants you to solve for x IF the function is equal to 5. >> That is not the question you wrote at first. That is why I was confused by your question.

If x=5, then

f(5)= 4 -2*(-1)^1/3

The cube root of -1 is -1, so
f(5) = 4+2 = 6
I am suposed to solve for x if the FUNCTION is equal to 5.