
The equation is
.
Write two cases:
\Case-1: a = b.
\
Case-2: 

Solve the equation for Case-1.
\
Apply subtraction property of equality: Subtract 9 from each side.
\
(Apply Additive inverse property:
)
(Subtract:
)
Check:
\To check the solution, substitute
in original equation.

(Add: 12 + 9 = 21)
The absolute value of 21 is 21.
\21 = 21
\Compare the values the equation is true.
is a solution.
Solve the equation for Case-2.
\
Apply subtraction property of equality: Subtract 9 from each side.
\
(Apply Additive inverse property:
)
(Subtract:
)
Check:
\To check the solution, substitute
in original equation.

(Add:
)
(The absolute value of
)
Compare the values the equation is true.
is a solution.
The solutions are 12 and -30.
\The solution set is
.