Question #82ba7

1 Answer
Apr 14, 2017

#x=-4#

Explanation:

Use the method of #color(blue)"cross- multiplying"#

#"Given " a/b=c/d" then"#

#•color(white)(xx) ad=bc#

#rArr3/(x+1)=5/(x-1)#

#rArr5(x+1)=3(x-1)#

distributing gives.

#5x+5=3x-3#

#"subtract 3x from both sides"#

#5x-3x+5=cancel(3x)cancel(-3x)-3#

#rArr2x+5=-3#

#"subtract 5 from both sides."#

#2xcancel(+5)cancel(-5)=-3-5#

#rArr2x=-8#

#"divide both sides by 2"#

#(cancel(2) x)/cancel(2)=(-8)/2#

#rArrx=-4#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

Substitute this value into the equation and if the left side equals the right side then it is the solution.

#"left side " =3/(-4+1)=3/(-3)=-1#

#"right side " =5/(-4-1)=5/(-5)=-1#

#rArrx=-4" is the solution"#