Question

How do you solve for x in `(5a)/x = (5b)/(x-1)`?

Answer 1

First, simplify by the property `a/b = m/n -> a xx n = b xx m`

Explanation:

`5bx = (x - 1)5a`

`5bx = 5ax - 5a`

`5bx - 5ax = -5a`

`5x(b - a) = -5a`

`5x = (-5a)/(b - a)`

`x = -((5a)/(b - a)) / 5`

`x = - (5a) / (5(b - a))`

`x = - (5a)/(5b - 5a)`

Practice exercises:

1. Solve for x. Hint for b): place on an equivalent denominator.

a) `(1 + 5a)/(2x)= (3z - 4x)/(5a)`

b). `1/(2x) + 1/(yz) = 3/(xzy)`

Good luck!