Math Problem Statement

Solve for x in the two equations: 1. (x/2) - (x/4) = 3/4 2. (x/(x-2)) = 1 + (1/(x-3))

Solution

Let's solve both equations step by step from the image.

Equation 1:

x2x4=34\frac{x}{2} - \frac{x}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

Step 1: Simplify the left-hand side.

We need a common denominator for x2\frac{x}{2} and x4\frac{x}{4}. The common denominator is 4.

x2=2x4\frac{x}{2} = \frac{2x}{4}

Now substitute into the equation:

2x4x4=34\frac{2x}{4} - \frac{x}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

Simplify the left-hand side:

2xx4=34\frac{2x - x}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

x4=34\frac{x}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

Step 2: Solve for xx.

Since the denominators are the same, we can equate the numerators:

x=3x = 3

Check:

Substitute x=3x = 3 into the original equation:

3234=34\frac{3}{2} - \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

Convert 32\frac{3}{2} to a fraction with denominator 4:

6434=34\frac{6}{4} - \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

34=34\frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

So, x=3x = 3 is correct.


Equation 2:

xx2=1+1x3\frac{x}{x - 2} = 1 + \frac{1}{x - 3}

Step 1: Subtract 1 from both sides.

xx21=1x3\frac{x}{x - 2} - 1 = \frac{1}{x - 3}

Rewrite 1 with the denominator x2x - 2:

xx2x2x2=1x3\frac{x}{x - 2} - \frac{x - 2}{x - 2} = \frac{1}{x - 3}

Simplify the left-hand side:

x(x2)x2=1x3\frac{x - (x - 2)}{x - 2} = \frac{1}{x - 3}

xx+2x2=1x3\frac{x - x + 2}{x - 2} = \frac{1}{x - 3}

2x2=1x3\frac{2}{x - 2} = \frac{1}{x - 3}

Step 2: Cross multiply.

2(x3)=(x2)2(x - 3) = (x - 2)

Expand both sides:

2x6=x22x - 6 = x - 2

Step 3: Solve for xx.

Subtract xx from both sides:

x6=2x - 6 = -2

Add 6 to both sides:

x=4x = 4

Check:

Substitute x=4x = 4 into the original equation:

442=1+143\frac{4}{4 - 2} = 1 + \frac{1}{4 - 3}

Simplify both sides:

42=1+11\frac{4}{2} = 1 + \frac{1}{1}

2=1+12 = 1 + 1

2=22 = 2

So, x=4x = 4 is correct.


Would you like more details on any of the steps? Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you find a common denominator for fractions?
  2. What is the significance of cross-multiplying when solving rational equations?
  3. How would the solution change if the constants on the right-hand side of both equations were different?
  4. What are some potential pitfalls when solving rational equations?
  5. Can you create a new equation similar to the ones provided and solve it?

Tip: Always verify solutions by substituting the variable back into the original equation to ensure the solution is correct.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Equations
Fractions
Cross-multiplication

Formulas

Cross-multiplication in rational equations

Theorems

Properties of fractions
Cross-multiplication theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10