Check: LHS = |16 - 5| = 11, RHS = |8 + 3| = 11 → valid.

February 22, 2026

Understanding Absolute Value Equality: Checking |16 - 5| = |8 + 3| = 11

When working with absolute values in mathematics, one essential skill is verifying whether two expressions inside the absolute value symbols are truly equal. In this article, we explore and validate the equation:

LHS = |16 - 5| = 11 RHS = |8 + 3| = 11 Is this statement valid? Let’s break it down step by step.

What is Absolute Value?

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. This means:

|a| = a if a ≥ 0
|a| = -a if a < 0

In both cases, the result is always non-negative.

Step 1: Simplify the Left-Hand Side (LHS)

LHS = |16 - 5| First, compute the difference inside the absolute value: 16 - 5 = 11

Now apply absolute value: |11| = 11 So, LHS = 11

Step 2: Simplify the Right-Hand Side (RHS)

RHS = |8 + 3| First, compute the sum inside the absolute value: 8 + 3 = 11

Now apply absolute value: |11| = 11 So, RHS = 11

Step 3: Compare Both Sides

We have: LHS = 11 and RHS = 11 Since both sides are equal, the equation |16 - 5| = |8 + 3| holds true.

Why This Matters: Checking Validity with Absolute Values

Absolute value expressions often appear in geometry, algebra, and equations involving distances. Validating such expressions ensures accuracy in problem-solving and protects against errors in calculations. The key takeaway is: If |A| = |B|, then A = B or A = -B. But in this case, LHS = RHS = 11, confirming equality directly.

Key Takeaways:

Absolute values strip negative signs: |x| = |−x|
Always compute expressions inside absolute values before applying |·|
Checking validity by direct simplification prevents mistakes

Conclusion: The statement |16 - 5| = |8 + 3| = 11 is correct and fully valid. This check exemplifies foundational algebra skills essential for solving equations involving absolute values. Strengthen your mathematical precision by practicing these equality checks!

Keywords: absolute value check, |16 - 5| = |8 + 3|, mathematical validity, absolute value equality, LHS RHS comparison, math problem solving, algebra basics.