Simple Algebraic Problem (yet confusing 0_o)

[Nano-Passion]

Homework Statement

x= (17/y) - 1

Solve for y.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

This is part of a introductory calculus problem.

I've tried everything, I'm not sure what I am doing wrong.

x = (17/y ) - 1
y/1 (x) = ( (17/y) - 1 ) y/1

yx = 17 - y
-y ... -y
---------------
yx - y = 17

?

 

[mharten1]

When you tried this:

yx = 17 - y

You almost had it. Now move y to the other side so yx+y=17. Use what you know about factoring out common terms to solve that problem.

 

[Nano-Passion]

When you tried this:

yx = 17 - y

You almost had it. Now move y to the other side so yx+y=17. Use what you know about factoring out common terms to solve that problem.

yx + y = 17

y (x + 1 ) = 17 ---- divide by (x + 1 ) on both sides

y = 17 / (x+1)

... Thank you ! =D I've been trying to solve this very simple problem in an excess of at least 10 minutes. =/