Solve for X: Complex Rational Equation -8/(6(x+5)-2) = 1/(x+4)

Rational Equations with Cross-Multiplication

Solve for X:

86×(x+5)2=1x+4 -\frac{8}{6\times(x+5)-2}=\frac{1}{x+4}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:10 Let's find the value of X.
00:15 First, we need to multiply by the denominators. This will help us get rid of the fractions.
00:25 Be careful to open the parentheses properly. Make sure to multiply by each factor.
00:38 Next, let's group the like terms together, so it's easier to see.
01:09 Now, arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side.
01:28 Again, let's group the like terms.
01:32 Now, let's isolate X completely by itself.
01:40 Great job! And that's how we find the solution to the problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

86×(x+5)2=1x+4 -\frac{8}{6\times(x+5)-2}=\frac{1}{x+4}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the equation step by step:

The given equation is:

86×(x+5)2=1x+4-\frac{8}{6 \times (x + 5) - 2} = \frac{1}{x + 4}

To eliminate the fractions, we can use cross-multiplication:

8×(x+4)=1×(6×(x+5)2)-8 \times (x + 4) = 1 \times (6 \times (x + 5) - 2)

Expanding both sides yields:

8(x+4)=6(x+5)2-8(x + 4) = 6(x + 5) - 2

Distribute the terms:

8x32=6x+302-8x - 32 = 6x + 30 - 2

Simplifying the right-hand side:

8x32=6x+28-8x - 32 = 6x + 28

To solve for x x , we isolate variables by moving terms with x x to one side:

Add 8x 8x to both sides:

32=14x+28-32 = 14x + 28

Subtract 28 from both sides to further isolate the terms with x x :

60=14x-60 = 14x

Finally, divide both sides by 14 to solve for x x :

x=6014x = -\frac{60}{14}

This is the simplified form of x x .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:

x=6014 x = -\frac{60}{14} .

3

Final Answer

6014 -\frac{60}{14}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Cross-Multiplication: When equation has one fraction equals another, multiply diagonally
  • Technique: 8×(x+4)=1×(6x+28) -8 \times (x+4) = 1 \times (6x+28)
  • Check: Substitute x=6014 x = -\frac{60}{14} back into original equation ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute negative signs
    Don't just write -8(x+4) = -8x + 32 instead of -8x - 32! This sign error changes your final answer completely. Always carefully distribute negative signs: -8(x+4) = -8x - 32.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for \( b \):

\( 8-b=6 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

When can I use cross-multiplication?

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Cross-multiplication works when you have one fraction equal to another fraction, like ab=cd \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} . This gives you ad = bc.

What do I do with the complex denominator 6(x+5)-2?

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First simplify it: 6(x+5)2=6x+302=6x+28 6(x+5)-2 = 6x+30-2 = 6x+28 . Then your equation becomes easier to work with!

Why is my answer a negative fraction?

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Negative answers are completely normal! The equation led to 60=14x -60 = 14x , so x=6014 x = -\frac{60}{14} is correct. Always trust your algebra!

Should I simplify the fraction -60/14?

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You can simplify to 307 -\frac{30}{7} by dividing by GCD(60,14)=2, but 6014 -\frac{60}{14} is also a valid answer if that's what the problem asks for.

How do I check if x = -60/14 is right?

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Substitute back into the original equation. Calculate both sides separately: the left side 86(6014+5)2 -\frac{8}{6(-\frac{60}{14}+5)-2} should equal the right side 16014+4 \frac{1}{-\frac{60}{14}+4} .

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