The forum discussion centers on solving the equation 5/3 = 1/2(x^-1)(y) for the variable x. Participants clarify that to isolate x, one should first multiply both sides by x, resulting in 5/3x = 1/2 * y. The next step involves dividing both sides by 1/2, leading to the expression 10/3x = y. Ultimately, the solution for x is derived as x = 3y/10, emphasizing the importance of using the reciprocal of coefficients when manipulating equations.
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Is this 5/3 = 1/2 * x-1 * y?939 said:Homework Statement
Solve for x. I know how to do this when there is addition and subtraction but I'm confused what to do when there is multiplication. Sorry for the newb question...
Homework Equations
5/3 = 1/2(x^-1)(y)
939 said:The Attempt at a Solution
10/3 = (x^-1)(y)
(10/3)/(y) = (x^-1)
Yes, it is, sorry...Mark44 said:Is this 5/3 = 1/2 * x-1 * y?
If so, for starters, multiply both sides of the equation by x.
Right, but this would be clearer as 3y/10.939 said:Yes, it is, sorry...
5/3(x) = (1/2)*(y)
then... divide both sides by 5/3?
x = 3/10(y)
Mark44 said:Right, but this would be clearer as 3y/10.
If you write it as you did, some might (mistakenly) think you meant 3/[10y].
Also, dividing by 5/3 is the same as multiplying by 3/5, the reciprocal of 5/3.
Do that and you'll find that 5/3 = 5/3.SpaceDreamer said:You are trying to solve for x so my approach would be to solve to y in terms of x and then plug that into y so there is only x in the equation and then solve for x, so
5/3 = 1/2 * x^-1 * y
Multiply both sides by x as you did before
5/3x = 1/2 * y
Divide both sides by 1/2
10/3x = y
Now plug that into the original equation for y and then solve for x.
5/3 = 1/2 * x^-1 * (10/3x)
Solve for x. If my math is wrong please correct me, it's been some time since I done a problem like this.
Since the instructions are to solve for x, it's a waste of time to solve for y first. All you need to do is get rid of the 5/3 coefficient of x, which you can do by multiplying both sides by 3/5. This leaves you with x = 3y/10, as before.SpaceDreamer said:You are trying to solve for x so my approach would be to solve to y in terms of x and then plug that into y so there is only x in the equation and then solve for x, so
5/3 = 1/2 * x^-1 * y
Multiply both sides by x as you did before
5/3x = 1/2 * y
Divide both sides by 1/2
SpaceDreamer said:10/3x = y
Now plug that into the original equation for y and then solve for x.
5/3 = 1/2 * x^-1 * (10/3x)
Solve for x. If my math is wrong please correct me, it's been some time since I done a problem like this.