How do you solve \frac { x + 1} { x - 5} = \frac { 3} { 7}?

1 Answer
Dec 8, 2017

x = -5.5. See below for my work!

Explanation:

In order to solve for x, you're going to want to utilize cross-multiplication! That's where you multiply the numerator of the left side of the equation by the denominator of the right side, vice versa. Here it is in action!

(x+1)/(x-5)=3/7

(x+1)*7=(x-5)*3

You solve normally from there!

7x+7=3x-15

4x+7=-15

4x=-22

x=-22/4

x = -5.5