Question

How do you solve `\frac { 8} { x - 5} = \frac { 6} { x + 9}`?

Answer 1

Cross multiplication, then solve.
Answer: `x=-51`

Explanation:

Solve `8/(x-5)=6/(x+9)`

First, we can cross multiply to get the variables out of the denominators:
`8(x+9)=6(x-5)`

We can use the distributive property:
`8x+72=6x-30`

Now, we subtract `6x` from both sides and subtract `72` from both sides and simplify:
`8x+72-6x-72=6x-30-6x-72`
`2x=-102`

Finally, we divide both sides by `2` to isolate the `x`:
`x=-51`