Exercises 41–60 contain rational equations with variables in denominators. For each equation, a. write the value or values of the variable that make a denominator zero. These are the restrictions on the variable. b. Keeping the restrictions in mind, solve the equation. (x - 2)/2x + 1 = (x + 1)/x
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
1. Equations & Inequalities
Linear Equations
Problem 51
Textbook Question
Solve each equation for x. ax+b=3(x-a)
Verified step by step guidance1
Start with the given equation: \(ax + b = 3(x - a)\).
Distribute the 3 on the right side to both terms inside the parentheses: \(ax + b = 3x - 3a\).
Get all terms involving \(x\) on one side and constants on the other side. Subtract \$3x\( from both sides and subtract \)b\( from both sides: \)ax - 3x = -3a - b$.
Factor out \(x\) on the left side: \(x(a - 3) = -3a - b\).
Divide both sides by \((a - 3)\) to isolate \(x\): \(x = \frac{-3a - b}{a - 3}\).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Distributive Property
The distributive property allows you to multiply a single term by each term inside parentheses. For example, in 3(x - a), you multiply 3 by x and 3 by -a, resulting in 3x - 3a. This step is essential to simplify and solve the equation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Multiply Polynomials Using the Distributive Property
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. After distributing, you group terms with x on one side and constants on the other to simplify the equation and isolate the variable.
Recommended video:
Combinations
Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations means finding the value of the variable that makes the equation true. This involves isolating x by performing inverse operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to both sides of the equation.
Recommended video:
Solving Linear Equations with Fractions
Watch next
Master Introduction to Solving Linear Equtions with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
1555
views
