What is This? ax - b = c for x how do i do it?

It's A Sloppy Presentation of a Homework Exercise ...

Hello Albin:

What is what?

You wrote:

ax - b = c

This is an EQUATION.

You wrote:

for x

The letter x is a symbol that represents a number; we call this symbol a VARIABLE.

I'm guessing that your phrase "for x" means "solve this equation for x".

If I've guessed correctly, then they want you to rearrange the equation so that x is all by itself on one side of the equal sign.

Like this:

x =

Now, you need to figure out what goes on the blank side using the lessons they taught you.

Here's an example.

R - Px - 2 = S, solve for x

Since I want x by itself, it seems natural to start by getting Px by itself. I can do this by subtracting R from both sides and by adding 2 to both sides.

-Px = S - R + 2

Now I need to divide both sides by -P to get x all by itself.

x = -(S - R + 2)/P

If none of this rings a bell, then please speak with your teacher.

Otherwise, if you have a specific question, then I look forward to reading it.

Cheers,

~ Mark :)
 
Re: What is This?????

well sorry that its sloppy but that's exactly what my worksheet says.
it is very unspecific so i was just asking for some understanding.
thanks for trying though.
 
I See No Need For Apologies ...

albin0stud said:
well sorry ... it is very unspecific...
Click to expand...

Hello Albin:

I know that your teacher did not hand you a piece of paper containing "for x" without FIRST explaining what it means and HOW to do it.

How would you like me to help you? What would you like me to type?

If you cannot answer either one of these two questions, then let's try another approach.

ax - b = c

Please add b to both sides and show me what you get.

~ Mark :?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top