How can you solve this equation using an alternate method?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a specific equation using different methods. Participants explore algebraic manipulation techniques, including distributing terms, combining like terms, and isolating the variable. The focus is on both a standard approach and an alternate method proposed by one participant.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest multiplying through the parentheses and rearranging terms to isolate the variable $x$.
  • One participant provides a detailed step-by-step solution, demonstrating how to manipulate the equation to solve for $x$.
  • Another participant questions how the coefficients combine, specifically how $-\frac{1}{9}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ result in $-\frac{7}{9}$, and provides a breakdown of the calculation.
  • A different approach is introduced by another participant, who proposes multiplying through by 9 as an alternate method to simplify the equation before solving for $x$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple methods for solving the equation, and while there is some agreement on the steps involved, there is no consensus on a single preferred method. The discussion includes both a standard approach and an alternate method, indicating a variety of perspectives on the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the combination of coefficients, and there are unresolved steps in the algebraic manipulation. The discussion reflects different approaches to the same mathematical problem without a definitive resolution.

xSilentShuriken
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First you have to multiply through the parentheses on the left. Then you have to bring all the terms that are related to $x$ to the left side of the equation and all the constant terms to the right side. Then you can solve for $x$.
 
mathmari said:
First you have to multiply through the parentheses on the left. Then you have to bring all the terms that are related to $x$ to the left side of the equation and all the constant terms to the right side. Then you can solve for $x$.

Can you show me with the numbers?
 
xSilentShuriken said:
Can you show me with the numbers?

Sure! Multiplying through the parentheses:
\begin{align*}-\frac{1}{9}(x-27)+\frac{1}{3}(x+3)=x-17 & \Rightarrow -\frac{1}{9}\left (x+(-27)\right )+\frac{1}{3}(x+3)=x-17 \\ & \Rightarrow \left (-\frac{1}{9}\right )x+\left (-\frac{1}{9}\right )\cdot (-27)+\frac{1}{3}x+\frac{1}{3}\cdot 3=x-17 \\ & \Rightarrow -\frac{1}{9}x+3+\frac{1}{3}x+1=x-17 \end{align*}

Bringing all the terms that are related to $x$ to the left side of the equation and all the constant terms to the right side:
\begin{align*}-\frac{1}{9}x+3+\frac{1}{3}x+1=x-17 & \Rightarrow -\frac{1}{9}x+\frac{1}{3}x-x=-17-1-3 \\ & \Rightarrow \left (-\frac{1}{9}+\frac{1}{3}-1\right )x=-21 \\ & \Rightarrow -\frac{7}{9}x=-21\end{align*}

Solving for $x$ by dividing the equation by the coefficient of $x$:
\begin{equation*}-\frac{7}{9}x=-21 \Rightarrow x=\frac{-21}{-\frac{7}{9}} \Rightarrow x=\frac{21}{\frac{7}{9}} \Rightarrow x=21\cdot \frac{9}{7} \Rightarrow x=27\end{equation*}
 
mathmari said:
Sure! Multiplying through the parentheses:
\begin{align*}-\frac{1}{9}(x-27)+\frac{1}{3}(x+3)=x-17 & \Rightarrow -\frac{1}{9}\left (x+(-27)\right )+\frac{1}{3}(x+3)=x-17 \\ & \Rightarrow \left (-\frac{1}{9}\right )x+\left (-\frac{1}{9}\right )\cdot (-27)+\frac{1}{3}x+\frac{1}{3}\cdot 3=x-17 \\ & \Rightarrow -\frac{1}{9}x+3+\frac{1}{3}x+1=x-17 \end{align*}

Bringing all the terms that are related to $x$ to the left side of the equation and all the constant terms to the right side:
\begin{align*}-\frac{1}{9}x+3+\frac{1}{3}x+1=x-17 & \Rightarrow -\frac{1}{9}x+\frac{1}{3}x-x=-17-1-3 \\ & \Rightarrow \left (-\frac{1}{9}+\frac{1}{3}-1\right )x=-21 \\ & \Rightarrow -\frac{7}{9}x=-21\end{align*}

Solving for $x$ by dividing the equation by the coefficient of $x$:
\begin{equation*}-\frac{7}{9}x=-21 \Rightarrow x=\frac{-21}{-\frac{7}{9}} \Rightarrow x=\frac{21}{\frac{7}{9}} \Rightarrow x=21\cdot \frac{9}{7} \Rightarrow x=27\end{equation*}
How does the negative 1/9 and the 1/3 equal to negative 7/9
 
xSilentShuriken said:
How does the negative 1/9 and the 1/3 equal to negative 7/9

So that we cann add/subtract fractions the denominator must be the same.

We have that the coefficient of $x$ is the following: $$-\frac{1}{9}+\frac{1}{3}-1 = -\frac{1}{9}+\frac{1}{3}\cdot \frac{3}{3}-1\cdot \frac{9}{9} =-\frac{1}{9}+\frac{3}{9}-\frac{9}{9} =\frac{-1+3-9}{9}=\frac{-7}{9}$$
 
As an alternate method, I would begin by multiplying though by 9 to obtain:

$$-(x-27)+3(x+3)=9x-153$$

Distribute:

$$-x+27+3x+9=9x-153$$

Combine like terms:

$$189=7x$$

Divide through by 7:

$$x=27$$ :D
 

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