Solve for X :fraction problem: 50/x - 50/(x-8) = 4/x

[fresh83]

This message board is going to save my life, i appreciate all the help i can get . excuse my ignorance.

 

[Mrspi]

Re: Solve for X :fraction problem

This message board is going to save my life, i appreciate all the help i can get . excuse my ignorance.

If you multiply both sides of the equation by the common denominator for the fractions, which is x(x - 8), then you'll end up with an equation which has NO fractions:

x(x - 8)*[50 / x) - x(x - 8)*[ 50 / (x - 8)] = x(x - 8)*(4 / x)

Notice that each denominator divides into the multiplier. If you do those divisions, you should have this:

(x - 8)*50 - x*50 = (x - 8)*4

Now...can you take it from there?

 

[fresh83]

Re: Solve for X :fraction problem

i dont understand how your getting the x(x-8)



i would have guessed it be just (x-8)

 

[mmm4444bot]

i dont understand how your getting the x(x-8)

i would have guessed it be just (x-8)

Try that, and see. You'll still have fractions with x in the denominator, so you will then need to multiply both sides by x to clear those fractions.

You can clear the fractions in two steps, or you can do it with one step by using x(x-8).

After you've done this sort of thing a few times using two steps, you'll likely switch.

I feel that there is nothing else to say, since MrsPi already explained, with a complete explanation, how to clear the fractions, but, if you're still stuck, then let me know, and I'll type up the steps using a similar expression.

 

[fresh83]

Re: Solve for X :fraction problem

if i multiplyed by just x what would that leave the 50/x-8 as?


it cant be over just -8 , can it ?



if this one dosnt click soon im just gonna save it for the library monday and move on .

 

[mmm4444bot]

if i multiplyed by just x what would that leave the 50/x-8 as?


it cant be over just -8 , can it ?

OIC.

You're breaking a rule in algebra. We may not cancel x in a numerator with (x - 8) in the denominator.

The denominator is a single number. We don't know what it is, but it's written as the expression x - 8. This will only cancel when the same number (expression) appears in the numerator. For example, you may do the following cancellation.

\(\displaystyle \frac{50x(x - 8)}{x - 8} = 50x\)

If you multiply by just x, that would be:

\(\displaystyle x \cdot \frac{50}{x - 8} = \frac{x}{1} \cdot \frac{50}{x - 8} = \frac{(x)(50)}{(1)(x - 8)} = \frac{50x}{x - 8}\)

 

[fresh83]

(x - 8)*50 - x*50 = (x - 8)*4



umm

50x-400-50x=4x-32

 

[Denis]

(x - 8)*50 - x*50 = (x - 8)*4
umm
50x-400-50x=4x-32

Yes....so finish it !