solving for x in an equilibrium problem

[luna]

Equilibrium problem....solving for x. Need help with the algebra step. Thanks!

Having a weak background in algebra, I can only get to this point in solving the equation...

+- 0.911 = x / (0.20 - x)

Solving for two values of x.

Much appreciated.

 

[stapel]

+- 0.911 = x / (0.20 - x)

You can solve this exercise in the exact same way you'd solve any other rational equation. The only difference here is that you have two cases: one when the sign on 0.911 is positive, and the other when it's negative. Multiply through by 0.2 - x, and solve the resulting linear equation. That's it!

Eliz.

 

[luna]

Yes, that was precisely the problem....I knew to multiply but not how to isolate the x (using a common factor) which I figured-out between the time I posted and your reply. Thanks for trying to help.