The discussion revolves around solving the equation 5/3 = 1/2(x^-1)(y) for the variable x. Participants express confusion regarding the manipulation of the equation, particularly in the context of multiplication, as opposed to addition or subtraction.
The conversation is active, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants provide guidance on manipulating the equation, while others express uncertainty about their approaches and seek confirmation of their reasoning.
Participants note the challenge of solving for x directly versus first expressing y in terms of x, highlighting the complexity of the problem setup and the need for clarity in mathematical expressions.
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.