Make x the subject of 2x/5-3b/4=x+5

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  • Thread starter blackfriars
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In summary, the conversation revolves around rearranging a formula to make x the subject. The original formula was 2x/5-3b/4=x+5, and the participants discussed how to simplify it and arrive at the solution x = -15b-100/12. They also used a simple case to demonstrate the importance of carefully rearranging equations.
  • #1
blackfriars
21
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hi to all
looking for some help to rearrange a formula to make x the subject
2x/5-3b/4=x+5

i moved +5 to the left and it became -5
i thought the negative 5 would cancel the denominator 5

this is what i thought i could do

2x-3b/4=x

-2x -2x

-3b/4 =-x
multiply both sides by -1 and the result i thought should be

3b/4=x
thanks in adv
 
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  • #2
Are you a student attending math classes?
 
  • #3
Yes i am
 
  • #4
$$\frac{2x}{5} - \frac{3b}{4}=x+5$$

To clear fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by $20$, the $\text{lcm}$ of $5$ and $4$:

$$8x-15b=20x+100$$

Rearrange so $x$ is on its own on one side of the equation:

$$-15b-100=20x-8x$$

Simplify:

$$-15b-100=12x$$

Divide through by $12$:

$$x=-\frac{15b+100}{12}$$
 
  • #5
Thanks for that all i can do is learn
Cheers
 
  • #6
blackfriars said:
i moved +5 to the left and it became -5
i thought the negative 5 would cancel the denominator 5
Make up a simple case:
x/5 = 5 : evident that x = 25, right?
Now, move the 5 as you did:
x/5 - 5 = 0 : ok?
Cancel the denominator with the -5:
x = 0
BUT x = 25 : convinced?
 

FAQ: Make x the subject of 2x/5-3b/4=x+5

What is the equation "Make x the subject of 2x/5-3b/4=x+5" asking me to solve?

The equation is asking you to solve for the variable x, which is typically referred to as the subject of the equation. In other words, you need to manipulate the equation to isolate x on one side of the equals sign.

What is the first step in making x the subject of the equation?

The first step is to multiply both sides of the equation by the common denominator of 20. This will eliminate the fractions and make the equation easier to manipulate.

How do I get rid of the -3b/4 term on the left side of the equation?

You can do this by adding 3b/4 to both sides of the equation. This will cancel out the -3b/4 term on the left side, leaving you with 2x/5 on the left side.

What do I do with the remaining 2x/5 term on the left side of the equation?

You can isolate x by multiplying both sides of the equation by the reciprocal of 2/5, which is 5/2. This will cancel out the 2x/5 term on the left side, leaving you with just x. Remember to also multiply the 5 on the right side by 5/2, giving you a final answer of x = 5b/2 + 25.

Do I need to check my answer after solving for x?

Yes, it is always important to check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation to see if it satisfies the equation. In this case, you can substitute x = 5b/2 + 25 into the equation and see if both sides are equal.

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