Homework help question: 2x-1/1-2x = -1 why?

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The equation (2x - 1)/(1 - 2x) equals -1 because when simplified, -1 times (2x - 1) results in -2x + 1, which is equivalent to (1 - 2x). The original poster was confused about the expression and how it equated to -1. Clarifying the use of parentheses helped resolve the misunderstanding. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of proper notation in mathematical expressions.
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Why does 2x-1/1-2x equal negative one?Can someone explain this to me because i don't get it.
 
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xsgx said:
Why does 2x-1/1-2x equal negative one?Can someone explain this to me because i don't get it.

Because -1 * (2x-1) = -2x+1 = (1-2x)

Does that help?
 
xsgx said:
Why does 2x-1/1-2x equal negative one?Can someone explain this to me because i don't get it.
This probably doesn't mean what you actually wrote, but it turns out to be equal to -1 anyway. Here's what you wrote:
$$2x - \frac{1}{1} - 2x = 2x - 1 - 2x = -1$$

If you want what you write to be interpreted the way you mean it, use parentheses, as in (2x - 1)/(1 - 2x).
 
Mark44 said:
This probably doesn't mean what you actually wrote, but it turns out to be equal to -1 anyway. Here's what you wrote:
$$2x - \frac{1}{1} - 2x = 2x - 1 - 2x = -1$$

Hah! Good eye! :smile:
 
Mark44 said:
This probably doesn't mean what you actually wrote, but it turns out to be equal to -1 anyway. Here's what you wrote:
$$2x - \frac{1}{1} - 2x = 2x - 1 - 2x = -1$$

If you want what you write to be interpreted the way you mean it, use parentheses, as in (2x - 1)/(1 - 2x).

Yeah i meant (2x-1)/(1-2x)
 
berkeman said:
Because -1 * (2x-1) = -2x+1 = (1-2x)

Does that help?

Yeah that helps.Thank you.
 

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