How do you solve for x in 1/4x = 3y = 414x=3y=4?

1 Answer
Apr 5, 2016

If the question is accurate:
color(white)("XXX")x=16XXXx=16

Explanation:

If the equation really is 1/4x=3y=414x=3y=4
the (=3y)(=3y) is redundant in finding the value of xx
color(white)("XXX")1/4x=4XXX14x=4
after multiplying both sides by 44
color(white)("XXX")x=16XXXx=16

If the first equal sign was intended to be a plus (they are on the same key on my keyboard)
color(white)("XXX")1/4x+3y=4XXX14x+3y=4
subtracting (3y)(3y) from both sides:
color(white)("XXX")1/4x=4-3yXXX14x=43y
then multiplying both sides by 44
color(white)("XXX")x=16-12yXXXx=1612y

If the second equal sign was intended to be a plus
color(white)("XXX")1/4x=3y+4XXX14x=3y+4
multiplying both sides by 44
color(white)("XXX")x=12y+16XXXx=12y+16