If |x - 3| < 5, what is the solution set for x?

A {x | -2 < x < 5}

B {x | -2 < x < 8}

C {x | x < -2 or x > 8}

D {x | x < -5 or x > 5}

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The inequality |x - 3| < 5 can be rewritten as -5 < x - 3 < 5. To solve for x, add 3 to all parts of the inequality: -5 + 3 < x - 3 + 3 < 5 + 3, which simplifies to -2 < x < 8.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "If |x - 3| < 5, what is the solution set for x?" is Option B: {x | -2 < x < 8}.

The other options — A) {x | -2 < x < 5}, C) {x | x < -2 or x > 8}, D) {x | x < -5 or x > 5} — are incorrect for this GMAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: The inequality |x - 3| < 5 can be rewritten as -5 < x - 3 < 5. To solve for x, add 3 to all parts of the inequality: -5 + 3 < x - 3 + 3 < 5 + 3, which simplifies to -2 < x < 8.

📚 About This GMAT Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level GMAT Exam Prep question from the Quantitative Reasoning topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GMAT Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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If |x - 3| < 5, what is the solution set for x?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This GMAT Exam Prep Practice Question

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