complex fractions: how to begin with 2 / x+3 = 7 / 2x

[anm2007]

2 / x+3 = 7 / 2x

how do i begin?

 

[wjm11]

2 / x+3 = 7 / 2x

Begin by using parentheses as necessary to explain the problem:

Is it (2/x) + 3 or 2/(x+3)???

Assuming it's 2/(x+3), I'd recommend cross-multiplying first:

2(2x) = (x+3)7

Can you take it from there?

 

[anm2007]

2 / x+3 = 7 / 2x

Begin by using parentheses as necessary to explain the problem:

Is it (2/x) + 3 or 2/(x+3)???

Assuming it's 2/(x+3), I'd recommend cross-multiplying first:

2(2x) = (x+3)7

Can you take it from there?

no....so now it is (4 + 2x) = (7x + 21)

right?

 

[wjm11]

(4 + 2x)???

2(2x) = 4x

 

[stapel]

so now it is (4 + 2x) = (7x + 21) right?

Um... no. :shock:

You might want to review how to simplify with parentheses! :wink:

Eliz.

 

[anm2007]

(4 + 2x)???

2(2x) = 4x

so the answer is -7 right?

 

[stapel]

so the answer is -7 right?

The answer to any "solving" problem may be checked by plugging it back into the original exercise. :idea:

So plug "-7" in for "x", and see if you end up with a true statement!

Eliz.

 

[anm2007]

so the answer is -7 right?

The answer to any "solving" problem may be checked by plugging it back into the original exercise. :idea:

So plug "-7" in for "x", and see if you end up with a true statement!

Eliz.

Thank u ma'am...u are by far the nicest tutor ive had since i started yesterday...thank u for ur help.