Absolute Value Worksheets The first step is to isolate the absolute value by using both positive and negative integer of 5. 2x - 1 = +5 2x - 1 = -5 Now, let us solve the equation one by one. 2x - 1 =+ 5 2x = + 5 + 1 x = 3 Next Example: 2x - 1 = -5 2x = -5 + 1 x = -2 Now, the values of x are -2, and 3.