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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from AMANDA, a parent: 15 - (5-x)/ x = 30 I thought you had to multiply both sides by x in order to remove the fraction? 15x - 5x - x2 = 30x then combine 10x - x2 = 30x -x2 =20x then take the sqrt of each side... what am I doing wrong?? |
Hi Amanda,
Multiplying $\frac{5-x}{x}$ by $x$ gives
\[x \times \frac{5-x}{x}.\]
The $x$ multiplier and the $x$ in the denominator cancel and hence
\[x \times \frac{5-x}{x} = 5-x.\]
Hence multiplying both sides of your equation by $x$ yields
\[15x - (5-x) = 30x\]
Solve for $x.$ Make sure you verify your answer,
Penny
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