Rearranging Equations to Find x in Terms of a and b | Homework Help

[Bugsy23]

Homework Statement

I need to rearrange the following equation to find x in terms of a and b, assuming that a≠-b

Homework Equations

a(a+x)=b(b-x)

The Attempt at a Solution

So far I have multiplied out the brackets and came up with

a$$^{}2$$+ax=b$$^{}2$$-bx

but I don't really know where to go from there to find x in terms of a and b.Would be really grateful if someone could help. Thanks.

 

[fss]

Try adding and subtracting terms from each side so you get each x term on the same side.

 

[sara_87]

you can move things over from the left to the right or vice versa i.e.

a + b = d - e
can become by moving things around:

a + b - d = -e

notice how we change the sign when things move over!

for ur question u want to get the x's on one side as the next step so move things over to get the x's together and the a's and b's together.

 

[Bugsy23]

So would this be right?:

ax-bx=a²-b²
x(a-b)=a²-b²
x=(a²-b²)/(a-b)

 

[n.karthick]

Note ax+bx=b²-a² and you have to correct your steps