Solving Fractions: How to Solve x/36-x = 12/36-12 + 3.013/0.20(36-3.013)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation x/36-x = 12/36-12 + 3.013/0.20(36-3.013). Participants explore the interpretation of the equation, the correct placement of parentheses, and methods for isolating x. The context is practical, as the original poster is facing a work-related problem rather than a homework assignment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster claims the solution is 17.6 but seeks guidance on solving for x.
  • One participant questions the interpretation of the left-hand side of the equation, suggesting it could be either x/(36-x) or (x/36) - x, which affects the approach to solving it.
  • Another participant suggests isolating x after combining like terms but does not provide a specific method.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of using parentheses to clarify the intended meaning of the fractional expressions in the equation.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the correct interpretation of the terms, particularly regarding the placement of parentheses in the expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct interpretation of the equation or the method to solve it. Multiple competing views on how to approach the problem remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity in the original equation due to the lack of parentheses, leading to different interpretations of the terms involved. This affects the ability to arrive at a definitive solution.

martine
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No homework, just a problem I'm faced with at work. And being the granny I am, this is ages ago since I solved anything like this.


x/36-x = 12/36-12 + 3.013/0.20(36-3.013)

The solution to this is 17.6. The question is: how do I solve such equations for x? If I ignore the 36 on the left side and asume it's not a fraction it's no problem, but um.. this is too long ago.
 
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Is the left hand side [tex]\frac{x}{36-x}[/tex] or [tex]\frac{x}{36} - x[/tex] ? I'm not sure where the fraction ends.
In the first case multiplying both sides by [tex]36-x[/tex] will get you rid of the fraction, in the second case multiply with 36. Then you can use addition and subtraction to solve for x.

But no matter how i put the parenthesis in your equation i do not get the solution 17.6.
 
first add all like term like the one whit out the x, then isolate for x, then you will have the answer.
 
martine said:
No homework, just a problem I'm faced with at work. And being the granny I am, this is ages ago since I solved anything like this.


x/36-x = 12/36-12 + 3.013/0.20(36-3.013)

The solution to this is 17.6. The question is: how do I solve such equations for x? If I ignore the 36 on the left side and asume it's not a fraction it's no problem, but um.. this is too long ago.
What you have written is straightforward and unambiguous, but it might not mean what you intend. Writing fractional expressions as text on one line requires the use of parentheses for numerators or denominators that have multiple terms.

For x/36 - x, did you mean (x/36) - x or x/(36 - x)?
For 12/36 - 12 did you mean (12/36) - 12 or 12/(36 - 12)? The first is a negative number; the value of the second is 1/2.

For 3.013/0.20(36-3.013), did you mean (3.013/0.20) * (36 - 3.013) or 3.013/(0.20 *(36 - 3.013))?
 

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