Chapter 1: Problem 51
Solve each equation or formula for the specified variable. $$ x=\frac{y}{y+4}, \text { for } y $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution for y is \( y = \frac{4x}{1-x} \).
Step by step solution
01
Clear the Fraction
Start by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator to get rid of the fraction: \[ x(y+4) = y \]
02
Distribute the x
Distribute the x on the left side: \[ xy + 4x = y \]
03
Rearrange Terms
Subtract xy from both sides to start isolating y: \[ 4x = y - xy \]
04
Factor out y
Factor y out of the right-hand side:\[ 4x = y(1 - x) \]
05
Solve for y
Divide both sides by the factor (1-x) to solve for y:\[ y = \frac{4x}{1-x} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Solving Equations
Solving equations is a fundamental skill in algebra that involves finding the value of a variable that makes an equation true. This process relies on manipulating the equation using different algebraic techniques.
To solve an equation, follow these basic steps:
- Identify the operations performed on the variable.
- Use inverse operations to undo these, aiming to isolate the variable.
- Maintain balance by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation.
Fractions
Fractions often appear in equations and can complicate solving them. They represent a part of a whole and consist of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). When solving equations with fractions, one common technique is to eliminate them as a first step.You can clear fractions by:
- Multiplying every term in the equation by the least common denominator (LCD).
- This removes the fractions, simplifying the process of solving the equation.
Variable Isolation
Variable isolation is the process of rearranging an equation to express a variable independently on one side. This is often the ultimate goal when solving equations as it gives us the solution of the problem.To isolate a variable:
- Perform operations to remove any numbers or other variables on the same side as the target variable.
- Make sure to do these operations on both sides to keep the equation balanced.
Distributive Property
The distributive property is a useful property of multiplication over addition. It allows us to distribute a multiplied factor across terms added or subtracted inside parentheses. The formula can be written as: \[ a(b + c) = ab + ac \]In the exercise, this property was employed when multiplying \( x \) by the terms inside the parentheses \( (y+4) \). This step ensured that the equation was suitably expanded and prepared for further isolation of \( y \).Using the distributive property:
- Makes equations easier to work with by expanding terms.
- Is often a preliminary step before isolating variables.