Stuck with this non-trivial algebra, solving for x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for x in a non-trivial algebraic equation, specifically approached as a quadratic equation. Participants are exploring the simplification of the expression and the validity of different solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to simplify the equation and question whether a simpler expression exists. There are requests for detailed steps and intermediate workings. Some participants express differing answers and suggest checking the validity of solutions against the original equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with multiple participants contributing their attempts and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding checking solutions against the original expression, but no consensus has been reached on a simpler form or final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem and the possibility that not all simple-looking problems yield simple solutions. There is also mention of specific algebraic manipulations that could clarify the situation.

Cocoleia
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Homework Statement


I am trying to solve for x in this equation:
upload_2016-11-5_20-20-12.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving it like a quadratic equation.
This is the most simplified I could get it.
upload_2016-11-5_20-18-4.png

Can someone please help me find a simpler expression
 
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Cocoleia said:

Homework Statement


I am trying to solve for x in this equation:
View attachment 108531

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving it like a quadratic equation.
This is the most simplified I could get it.
View attachment 108529
Can someone please help me find a simpler expression
Can you please show all of your work and intermediate steps? Thanks. :smile:
 
Cocoleia said:

Homework Statement


I am trying to solve for x in this equation:
View attachment 108531

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving it like a quadratic equation.
This is the most simplified I could get it.
View attachment 108529
Can someone please help me find a simpler expression

Maybe there isn't a simpler expression. Not all simple-looking problems have simple-looking solutions. Anyway, I get a different answer.
 
Last edited:
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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.
 
berkeman said:
Can you please show all of your work and intermediate steps? Thanks. :smile:
upload_2016-11-6_11-6-28.png

and then i just simplified to my final answer
 
Third step, shouldn't it be ##\frac{c^2m^2}{b^2}## instead of ##c^2m^2##?
 
Cocoleia said:
and then i just simplified to my final answer

I would have multiplied through the first equation by ##a^2b^2## to get rid of the fractions.
 
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Cocoleia said:
View attachment 108557
and then i just simplified to my final answer
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.
 

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