James B.

asked • 02/01/15

Solve for x squared

In Algebra 2, I was given the following equation. The instructions were "Solve for x2."
 
a1b1 / x1 = a2b2 / x2
 
How do I solve this problem?

Mark M.

The equation does not contain an x2!
 
Report

02/01/15

James B.

I apologize for the typographical error. The equation was correct, but the instructions were "Solve for x2."
Report

02/02/15

1 Expert Answer

By:

Arthur D. answered • 02/01/15

Tutor
4.9 (285)

Mathematics Tutor With a Master's Degree In Mathematics
About this tutor ›
About this tutor ›
I'm assuming you mean ab/x=a2b2/x2 because you said "solve for x2"
cross multiply
x2ab=xa2b2
divide both sides by ab
x2ab/ab=xa2b2/ab
x2=xab
If you had to solve for x..
x2-xab=0
x(x-ab)=0
x=0 but x cannot be equal to 0 because x is in the denominator !!
x-ab=0
x=ab
 
If I misread the problem here is the other solution...
a1b1/x1=a2b2/x2
cross multiply
x2a1b1=x1a2b2
x2=x1a2b2/a1b1
Upvote • 1 Downvote
More
Report

James B.

When you cross multiply, would you write the equation as x2(a1b1) = x1(a2b2) or as x2a1b1 = x1a2b2?
Report

02/02/15

Arthur D.

tutor
Either way. They both imply multiplication. xa=x(a)=(x)(a)=(x)a. If your teacher has a preference do it his/her way but they mean the same.
Report

02/03/15

James B.

Thank you very much for all your help!
Report

02/03/15

Arthur D.

tutor
You are very welcome, James.
 
Report

02/04/15

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.