Chapter 1: Problem 32
\(9- 46\) The given equation is either linear or equivalent to a linear equation. Solve the equation. $$ \frac{6}{x-3}=\frac{5}{x+4} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \(x = -39\).
Step by step solution
01
Cross-Multiply the Fractions
Start by cross-multiplying the two fractions to eliminate the denominators. This means multiplying the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other:\[ 6(x + 4) = 5(x - 3) \]
02
Distribute the Terms
Distribute the terms on both sides of the equation:\[ 6x + 24 = 5x - 15 \]
03
Move Variables to One Side
Subtract \(5x\) from both sides to get the variables on one side of the equation:\[ 6x - 5x + 24 = -15 \]This simplifies to:\[ x + 24 = -15 \]
04
Solve for x
Subtract 24 from both sides to solve for \(x\):\[ x = -15 - 24 \]\[ x = -39 \]
05
Verify the Solution
Substitute \(x = -39\) back into the original equation to verify it's correct:\[ \frac{6}{-39-3} = \frac{5}{-39+4} \]Both simplify to:\[ \frac{6}{-42} = \frac{5}{-35} \]Simplifying gives approximately -0.143 (both sides), which verifies the solution.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cross-Multiplication
Cross-multiplication is a powerful technique used to solve equations involving fractions. It helps us eliminate the denominators, making the equation easier to handle.
- Consider the equation with two fractions on either side of an equal sign: \(\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}\).
- To cross-multiply, multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second, and vice versa. This process turns the equation into: \(a \, \cdot \, d = c \, \cdot \, b\).
- The resulting equation no longer has any fractions, allowing us to focus on solving a simpler linear equation.
Solving Equations
Solving linear equations involves finding the value of a variable that makes the equation true. After cross-multiplying, you're typically left with a linear equation where the variable appears in one or both terms.
- First, look at the distributed terms on both sides of the equation. Distributing means multiplying out any parentheses. For example, \(6(x + 4)\) becomes \(6x + 24\).
- Gather all terms involving the variable on one side by adding or subtracting terms appropriately. Here, subtract \(5x\) from both sides to get all \(x\) terms on the left side.
- Simplify the equation step-by-step: \(6x - 5x + 24 = -15\) simplifies to \(x + 24 = -15\).
- Finally, isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. In this case, subtract 24 from both sides to find that \(x = -39\).
Verification of Solutions
Verification of solutions is a crucial step in the problem-solving process. It helps confirm that the solution found is correct.
- After calculating the variable, substitute it back into the original equation. For example, substitute \(x = -39\) back into \(\frac{6}{x-3} = \frac{5}{x+4}\).
- Simplify both sides of the equation with the substituted value: \(\frac{6}{-42} = \frac{5}{-35}\).
- Check if both sides are numerically equal once simplified. In this instance, both sides equal approximately -0.143.