Is there a mistake in this solution?

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a potential error in a math textbook regarding the equation Ax + By + C = 0. Participants agree that the correct transformation should yield y = (-A/B)x - (C/B), indicating that the last term should be -C/B rather than -C/A as stated in the textbook. There is confusion about why the textbook's answer differs from the correct solution, with some participants questioning if there was a typo. The consensus is that the textbook likely contains an error, as the calculations presented align with the correct interpretation. Overall, the discussion highlights the frequent inaccuracies found in math textbooks.
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Homework Statement



I'm given an equation Ax + By + C = 0
The answer in the back says:

If B not= 0, the set is the graph of f(x) = (-A/B)x + (-C/A)

How can the last term be (-C/A)??

Shouldn't it be C/B ?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



y = (-Ax - C)/B
y = (-A/B)x - (C/B)
 
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Yes it should be C/B. Perhaps it is a typo?
 
Looks like there's probably an error in the back of the book (or in the front where the problem statement is, depending on how you look at it). You math looks good to me.
 
yes, you are right, -C/B is correct.

I don't know why but math textbook has lots of errors like this.
 
I am greatly confused! You ask "How can the last term be (-C/A)?? Shouldn't it be C/B ?"
but then everyone agrees withy you that it should be -C/A?

What am I missing?
 
I think you are missing this part

"3. The Attempt at a Solution

y = (-Ax - C)/B
y = (-A/B)x - (C/B) "

so zeion's attempt is right
 
Last edited:
Yes, I saw that. His answer was correct and exactly the same as
"The answer in the back says:
If B not= 0, the set is the graph of f(x) = (-A/B)x + (-C/A)"

So why is he asking
"How can the last term be (-C/A)??
Shouldn't it be C/B ?"

And why has no one attempted to answer that question (if you understood it)?
 
HallsofIvy said:
I am greatly confused! You ask "How can the last term be (-C/A)?? Shouldn't it be C/B ?"
but then everyone agrees withy you that it should be -C/A?

What am I missing?
Instead of the bolded, do you mean -C/B? Are you bringing to our attention the negative? Should zeion have said this?

zeion said:
If B not= 0, the set is the graph of f(x) = (-A/B)x + (-C/A)

How can the last term be (-C/A)??

Shouldn't it be (-C/B)?


P.S. What I'm confused about is that I remembered that there were a lot more posts in this thread than there currently are. Were some of them deleted?
 
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