B Is 3x=15 Really That Hard to Solve?

AI Thread Summary
The equation 3x = 15 can be solved by dividing both sides by 3, yielding x = 5, which is confirmed as correct. Some participants discuss the method of multiplying both sides by 1/3 instead, emphasizing the importance of understanding algebraic principles like additive and multiplicative inverses. The conversation highlights differing approaches to teaching and solving equations, with some advocating for a more conceptual understanding rather than just procedural steps. Additionally, the discussion touches on the relevance of factoring in certain contexts, though it is not always necessary for simpler equations. Overall, the thread illustrates various perspectives on solving basic algebraic equations and the underlying mathematical concepts.
  • #51
no wait, I made it needlessly complicated, I should have said, from 3x=15 we get log(3x) = log(15), hence log(3) + log(x) = log(5) + log(3), hence log(x) = log(5), so x = 5. I.e. I hid the more difficult division problem that 15/3 = 5 inside the first derivation. my bad. I hope this uses only addition now. (#51).
 
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  • #52
phinds said:
No kidding. I seriously can't believe we now have a thread of 50 posts talking about how to solve 3x=15.
And now we're up to 52. I think this topic has been exhausted, plus the OP was never seen again.
Thread closed...
 

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