# Stuck with this non-trivial algebra, solving for x

1. Nov 5, 2016

### Cocoleia

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I am trying to solve for x in this equation:

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
I tried solving it like a quadratic equation.
This is the most simplified I could get it.

2. Nov 5, 2016

### Staff: Mentor

Can you please show all of your work and intermediate steps? Thanks.

3. Nov 5, 2016

### Ray Vickson

Maybe there isn't a simpler expression. Not all simple-looking problems have simple-looking solutions. Anyway, I get a different answer.

Last edited: Nov 5, 2016
4. Nov 6, 2016

### haruspex

A useful habit is to check whether a simple solution to the one expression is also a solution to the other. Your original has the solution x=a=c. That does not appear to be a solution of your final expression.

5. Nov 6, 2016

### Cocoleia

and then i just simplified to my final answer

6. Nov 6, 2016

### micromass

Staff Emeritus
Third step, shouldn't it be $\frac{c^2m^2}{b^2}$ instead of $c^2m^2$?

7. Nov 6, 2016

### PeroK

I would have multiplied through the first equation by $a^2b^2$ to get rid of the fractions.

8. Nov 6, 2016

### haruspex

Did you read post #4? You can make further use of this by plugging in the simple solution at various points in your working to see at what point it ceases to be a solution.