Absolute Value Question 1

If $| 2x+5 |=7$ and $| 3y+6 | = 12$ , which of the following is not a possible value of $|xy|$ ?

-12

6

2

36

Approach

Solving for $x \text{ and } y$ :

2x+5=7

2x=2

x=1

2x+5=-7

2x=-12

x=-6

3y+6=12

3y=6

y=2

3y+6=-12

3y=-18

y=-6

x=1 \text{ or } -6

y=2 \text{ or } -6

Possible values of $xy$ are:

1 \cdot 2 =2

1 \cdot -6 = -6

-6 \cdot 2 = -12

-6 \cdot -6 = 36