x/+2=x/3-3 ?

Question

I cannot figure this out...

Answer 1

Hi Chris,

 

Assuming you meant:

 

x/(+2) = (x/3) - 3

 

or, a little prettier:

 

<pre>

 

 x      x

--- = --- - 3

+2     3

 

</pre>

 

(darn, doesn't look like wyzant will let us use html tags)

 

Then you can subtract x/3 from both sides:

 

x/2 - x/3 = x/3 -3 - x/3

 

x/2 - x/3 = -3

 

Then, get a common denominator:

 

(x/2)(3/3) - (x/3)(2/2) = -3

 

3x/6 - 2x/6 = -3

 

Next, combine like terms (fraction subtraction):

 

x/6 = -3

 

Now, multiply both sides by 6:

 

6(x/6) = (-3)6

 

x = -18

 

Answer 2

Hi Chris;

I am certain this is NOT...

x/(+2)=x/(3-3)

because 3-3=0.  A numerator cannot be zero.

I think this is...

x/(+2)=(x/3)-3

+2 and 2 is the same thing.

So...

x/2=(x/3)-3

Let's eliminate fractions.  2 x 3 =6.  Let's multiply both sides by 6...

6(x/2)=6[(x/3)-3]

3x=2x-18

Let's subtract 2x from both sides as we proceed to isolate x...

-2x+3x=2x-18-2x

x=-18

 

Let's check our work.

The original question was...

x/(+2)=(x/3)-3

-18/2=(-18/3)-3

-9=-6-3

-9=-9

 

If I misunderstood the original question, please let me know.

I hope this helps either way.