Is it possible to solve #\frac { x + 3} { x - 1} = \frac { x + 2} { x - 3}#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-11-16T22:26:17

#(x + 3)(x - 3) = (x- 1)(x + 2)#

#x^2 + 3x - 3x - 9 = x^2 - x + 2x - 2#

#x^2 - 9 = x^2 + x - 2#

#-7 = x#

Hopefully this helps!

Answer 2 · 2016-11-16T22:27:07

#x=-7#

To solve it, we want it in the form of a polynomial, so multiply it out by cross multiplying, then combine like terms:

#(x+3)/(x-1)=(x+2)/(x-3)#

#(x+3)(x-3)=(x+2)(x-1)#

Multiply by distributing (FOIL):
#x^2-9=x^2+x-2#

Combine like terms; First subtract #x^2# from each side:
#-9=x-2#

Add 2 to each side to finally isolate x
#x-2=-9#
#x=-7#