Chapter 1 - Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities - 1-6 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities - Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises - Page 48: 90

$x = \dfrac{11}{3}$

Split into positive and negative cases (note that $|x|=a\longrightarrow x=a \text{ or } x =-a$): $3x + 8 = 19$ or $3x + 8 = –19$ Solve each one: $3x + 8 = 19\\ 3x = 11\\ x = \dfrac{11}{3}$ or $3x + 8 = -19\\ 3x = -27\\ x = -9$ The positive solution is x = $\dfrac{11}{3}$.