How do you multiply #(x-2)/ 3=1/ x#?

1 Answer
May 9, 2015

Cross multiplication is used here:

# (x-2) xx x = 1 xx 3#

we obtain equation:
# x^2 - 2x = 3#
# x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0#

solving this equation by grouping / splitting the middle term:
# x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0#

The middle term # -2x = - 3x + 1x # and
The product # -3 = -3 xx 1#.

# x^2 - 3x + 1x - 3 = 0#
grouping by taking out common terms:
# x( x - 3) +1 (x - 3) = 0#
# (x - 3) + (x+1) = 0#

solutions for the equation:
# x = 3 or x = -1#