# Solving first and second degree equations

## Homework Statement

solve the equations below

1.) 2x -1 = (1/2) *x +3

and

2) 1/x - 4/ x2= 0

## Homework Equations

3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]

2x -1 = 0,5x +3

2x= 0,5x +4
1,5x = 4
x= 4/ 1,5
x= 8/3

my math teacher told me that the x= 8/6 would have been correct solution to this first one

1/x -4/ x2 = 0

1/x = 4/x2

we enlarge the fraction 1/x

x/ x2 = 4/ x2

multiply both sides by x2

x= 4

singular solution assuming that originally x is unequal to 0 (because cannot divide with 0)

my teacher told me that this latter equation has twin solutions either x=-4 or x= 4

plugging -4 into the original equation, this seems not true at all...

-0,25 -( 0,25) = 0

-0,5 = 0

untrue.

## Answers and Replies

Related Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help News on Phys.org
ehild
Homework Helper

## Homework Statement

solve the equations below

1.) 2x -1 = (1/2) *x +3

and

2) 1/x - 4/ x2= 0

## Homework Equations

3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]

2x -1 = 0,5x +3

2x= 0,5x +4
1,5x = 4
x= 4/ 1,5
x= 8/3

my math teacher told me that the x= 8/6 would have been correct solution to this first one

1/x -4/ x2 = 0

1/x = 4/x2

we enlarge the fraction 1/x

x/ x2 = 4/ x2

multiply both sides by x2

x= 4

singular solution assuming that originally x is unequal to 0 (because cannot divide with 0)

my teacher told me that this latter equation has twin solutions either x=-4 or x= 4

plugging -4 into the original equation, this seems not true at all...

-0,25 -( 0,25) = 0

-0,5 = 0

untrue.
Your solutions are correct.

Your solutions are correct.
Thank you for prompt response. It looks like even math teachers make silly mistakes sometimes. Twice in this problem sheet.

Can you take a gander at my other thread about algebra problem that I had. I just posted a simple word problem in the same precalculus homework math subrofum

ehild
Homework Helper
Thank you for prompt response. It looks like even math teachers make silly mistakes sometimes. Twice in this problem sheet.

Can you take a gander at my other thread about algebra problem that I had. I just posted a simple word problem in the same precalculus homework math subrofum
I see you solved it.

SteamKing
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Time to find another math teacher.