Transpose Formula: Solve x=7-2y | Get Help Now

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around transposing the equation \(y = 7 - 2x\) to solve for \(x\). Participants explore different methods of rearranging the formula and clarify the correct expression for \(x\) in terms of \(y\).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially proposes \(x = \frac{7 + y}{2}\) but questions its validity against the book's answer.
  • Another participant provides a step-by-step solution, arriving at \(x = \frac{7 - y}{2}\), which aligns with the book's result.
  • A third participant expresses their struggle with transposing formulas and indicates progress in understanding the concept.
  • A detailed alternative approach is presented, outlining the reverse operations needed to derive \(x\) from \(y\), confirming that \(x = \frac{7 - y}{2}\) is indeed correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is agreement on the correct transposition of the formula to \(x = \frac{7 - y}{2}\), as supported by multiple participants. However, initial confusion exists regarding the alternative expression proposed by one participant.

Contextual Notes

Participants demonstrate varying levels of understanding of transposing equations, with some relying on visual aids and external resources to grasp the concept.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about algebraic manipulation and those seeking clarification on transposing equations in mathematics.

fordy2707
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Hi,thanks in advance for your help
Ive been given the task to transpose

To make x the subject from y=7-2x

Which in my mind x= 7+y / 2

But my book is saying X=7-y / 2

Is the book correct if so where / why am I going wrong ?
 
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We are given:

$$y=7-2x$$

and told to solve for $x$. First, let's add $2x-y$ to both sides, to get:

$$2x=7-y$$

Now, divide through by $2$:

$$x=\frac{7-y}{2}$$

This agrees with the book's result. :)
 
Thanks for that , I've been watching YouTube videos for the best part of today trying to get my head round transposing formulae .think I'm just about there now
 
Here is another approach:

Suppose $y = 7 - 2x$

Let's examine the steps we take to get to $y$, starting with $x$.

1. First we multiply $x$ by $2$. Now we have $2x$.

2. Next we multiply by $-1$, so we have $-2x$.

3. Finally, we add $7$, so we have $7 - 2x$, and we have arrived at $y$.

To "undo" this, we do the "undoing" operation of each of our 3 steps, IN REVERSE ORDER.

First, we subtract $7$. this "undoes" the adding of $7$, so we have $y - 7$.

Next, we multiply by $-1$ (multiplying by $-1$ twice leaves us where we were originally, so multiplying by $-1$ "undoes itself"). This gives us $(-1)(y - 7) = -y - (-7) = -y + 7 = 7 - y$.

Finally, we multiply by $\frac{1}{2}$ which is what "undoes" multiplication by $2$:

$\frac{1}{2}(7 - y) = \dfrac{7-y}{2}$.

Since we "undid", everything we "did" to get from $x$ to $y$, we must now be back at $x$:

$x = \dfrac{7 - y}{2}$.

If we have $f(x) = 7 - 2x$, and $g(y) = \dfrac{7 - y}{2}$, as a final check, we verify that:

$g(f(x)) = x$, and $f(g(y)) = y$.

$g(f(x)) = \dfrac{7 - f(x)}{2} = \dfrac{7 - (7 - 2x)}{2} = \dfrac{7 - 7 + 2x}{2} = \dfrac{2x}{2} = x$

$f(g(y)) = 7 - 2(g(y)) = 7 - 2\left(\dfrac{7 - y}{2}\right) = 7 - (7 - y) = 7 - 7 + y = y$.
 

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