Chapter 5: Problem 7
Find the value of \(x\) in each proportion. a) \(\frac{x-3}{8}=\frac{x+3}{24}\) b) \(\frac{x+1}{6}=\frac{4 x-1}{18}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a) \(x = 6\); b) \(x = 4\)
Step by step solution
01
Cross Multiply for Part (a)
To solve the proportion \(\frac{x-3}{8}=\frac{x+3}{24}\), we start by cross-multiplying: \( (x - 3) \times 24 = (x + 3) \times 8 \). This gives us the equation \( 24(x - 3) = 8(x + 3) \).
02
Distribute and Simplify for Part (a)
Distribute each side: \( 24x - 72 = 8x + 24 \). Next, we want to get all terms involving \(x\) on one side and constant terms on the other, so subtract \(8x\) from both sides: \( 24x - 8x - 72 = 24 \). Simplify to get \( 16x - 72 = 24 \).
03
Solve for x in Part (a)
Add 72 to both sides to isolate the \(x\)-term: \( 16x = 96 \). Finally, divide both sides by 16 to solve for \(x\): \( x = 6 \).
04
Cross Multiply for Part (b)
Similarly, solve the proportion \(\frac{x+1}{6}=\frac{4x-1}{18}\) by cross multiplying: \( (x + 1) \times 18 = (4x - 1) \times 6 \). This results in the equation \( 18(x + 1) = 6(4x - 1) \).
05
Distribute and Simplify for Part (b)
Distribute to simplify: \( 18x + 18 = 24x - 6 \). Now, subtract \(18x\) from both sides to begin isolating \(x\): \( 18 = 6x - 6 \).
06
Solve for x in Part (b)
Add 6 to both sides of the equation to simplify: \( 24 = 6x \). Finally, divide both sides by 6 to solve for \(x\): \( x = 4 \).
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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 useful method when dealing with proportions. It helps us find an unknown value by transforming the equation. In our problem, we have proportions like \( \frac{x-3}{8} = \frac{x+3}{24} \). Here, cross-multiplication helps us by creating a single, simpler equation.
To cross-multiply, we multiply the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other. For the proportion above, this means:
To cross-multiply, we multiply the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other. For the proportion above, this means:
- Multiply \( (x - 3) \) by 24.
- Multiply \( (x + 3) \) by 8.
Solving Equations
Once you have simplified the equation using cross-multiplication, the next step is solving this equation. The goal is to find the value of the unknown variable, in this case, \( x \). Let's break it down into simple steps.
Using part (a) of our original problem, where we have \( 24(x - 3) = 8(x + 3) \), we start by distributing the multiplication to each term inside the parentheses:
Using part (a) of our original problem, where we have \( 24(x - 3) = 8(x + 3) \), we start by distributing the multiplication to each term inside the parentheses:
- 24 times \( x \) minus 24 times 3 gives \( 24x - 72 \).
- 8 times \( x \) plus 8 times 3 gives \( 8x + 24 \).
Isolating Variables
After setting up your equation and simplifying where possible, it's time to isolate the variable. Isolating \( x \) involves getting \( x \) by itself on one side of the equation.
Using our simplified equation from part (a), \( 16x - 72 = 24 \), we add 72 to both sides to remove the constant term from the left side:
Using our simplified equation from part (a), \( 16x - 72 = 24 \), we add 72 to both sides to remove the constant term from the left side:
- This leads to \( 16x = 96 \).
- Divide both sides by 16, resulting in \( x = 6 \).