|x| = -2, x=?

[brucejin]

This is from my math book.

But I thought |x| is always a positive number. How can |x| = -2?

Thanks

 

[mmm4444bot]

… |x| is always a positive number … ? This statement is not true.

If x = 0, then |x| = 0.

Zero is not a positive number; therefore, |x| is not always a positive number.

… How can |x| = -2 … It can't. The absolute value of any Real number is always non-negative.

If you've been asked to solve the equation |x| = -2, then the answer is: "This equation has no solution."

 

[brucejin]

Thanks. You are right.
This equation has no solution.