Math Problem Statement

Solve for u: 1/u + 2/5 = 7/u - 25

Solution

The problem presented in the image is as follows:

1u+25=7u25\frac{1}{u} + \frac{2}{5} = \frac{7}{u} - 25

Steps to solve for uu:

  1. Move all terms with uu to one side: We subtract 7u\frac{7}{u} from both sides:

    1u7u+25=25\frac{1}{u} - \frac{7}{u} + \frac{2}{5} = -25

    Simplifying the terms with uu:

    17u+25=25\frac{1 - 7}{u} + \frac{2}{5} = -25

    6u+25=25\frac{-6}{u} + \frac{2}{5} = -25

  2. Isolate the term with uu: Subtract 25\frac{2}{5} from both sides:

    6u=2525\frac{-6}{u} = -25 - \frac{2}{5}

    To combine these, express 25-25 as a fraction:

    6u=125525\frac{-6}{u} = \frac{-125}{5} - \frac{2}{5}

    6u=1275\frac{-6}{u} = \frac{-127}{5}

  3. Solve for uu: Cross-multiply to eliminate the fractions:

    65=u(127)-6 \cdot 5 = u \cdot (-127)

    30=127u-30 = -127u

    Divide by 127-127:

    u=30127u = \frac{30}{127}

Thus, the solution is:

u=30127u = \frac{30}{127}

Would you like more details on any step? Here are some relative questions for further exploration:

  1. How do we handle equations with multiple fractions like this?
  2. Could u=0u = 0 be a solution in rational equations?
  3. What if the denominators were different? How would that affect the solution process?
  4. How does cross-multiplication work in rational equations?
  5. What happens when there are no solutions to an equation like this?

Tip: When solving rational equations, it's helpful to eliminate the fractions by finding a common denominator or cross-multiplying directly!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Equations
Linear Equations

Formulas

Cross-multiplication in rational equations
Combining like terms in equations

Theorems

Properties of Equality
Distributive Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10