Absolute value equations worksheet for Algebra 2
Algebra 2 absolute value equations are the ones that can trap you: the bars sit inside a bigger expression, or there is a variable on both sides, so one of the two answers can be fake. Isolate the bars, split into two cases, and check every answer in the original.
Also taught in Algebra 1, at its own level and with its own examples.
Not quite the one you need? Same words, different skill:
- Evaluating Absolute Value (Algebra 1). Distance from zero, worked out.
- Opposites and Absolute Value (Pre-Algebra). Distance from zero, on either side.
- Absolute Value Inequalities (Algebra 2). Less-than gives an "and", greater-than gives an "or".
- Graphing Absolute Value (Algebra 1). The V shape, and where its point sits.
Select your difficulty
Pick more than one for a sheet that mixes them.
The preview can look cramped on a phone. The PDF and printed sheet come out normal.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Absolute Value Equations Date Period Solve each equation.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Absolute Value EquationsAnswer keyVersion 2 Date Period Solve each equation.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
How to do these
- Case one: x - 3 = 2x gives x = -3.
- Case two: x - 3 = -2x gives x = 1.
- Check: x = -3 makes the right side -6, and an absolute value can never be negative, so reject it.
The answer is .
Where students go wrong
Keeping both answers without checking. When x appears outside the bars, one case often gives a solution that makes the other side negative.
Also called modulus equations.
What you can put on this worksheet
- A single absolute value
- →
- Mix in some with no solution
- → No solution
- Numbers outside the bars on both sides
- →
- The variable outside the bars too
- →
- Fractions inside or outside, bars equal to zero
- →