On average, Ryan can finish a puzzle in 3 hours but, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle, his time can vary from the average by 2 hours.

Which absolute value equation can be used to calculate Ryan's maximum and minimum time to complete a puzzle?

Let x represent the maximum and minimum time

|x-3|=2

|x+2|=3

|x+3|=2

|x-2|=3

|x - 3| = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between his maximum time and his average time is + 2 hours.

x - 3 = 2

The difference between his minimum time and his average time is - 2 hours.

x - 3 = - 2

Using absolute values:

|x - 3| = 2

| x - 3 | = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Let x represents the time (in hours) taken by Ryan to finish the puzzle,

Since, standard time taken by him = 3 hours

Thus, the time varying from the standard time = 3 - x (if x < 3)

or x - 3 (if x > 3)

By combining them,

The maximum vary in time = | x - 3 |

According to the question,

| x - 3 | = 2

Which is the required absolute value equation.

Hence, FIRST option is correct.