Jalil and Victoria are each asked to solve the equation ax – c = bx + d for x. Jalil says it is not possible to isolate x because each x has a different unknown coefficient. Victoria believes there is a solution, and shows Jalil her work:

Question
Answer:
solve the equation ax – c = bx + d for x:

1) Group the x terms together on the left:     ax - bx - c = d

2) Group the constant terms together:          ax - bx = c + d

3) factor out x:                                             x(a - b) = c + d

4) Divide both sides of the equation by (a - b) to obtain a formula for x:
                                                       c+d
           x(a - b) = c + d   =>    x = ---------
                                                       a-b

This shows that the given equation CAN be solved for x, but there is a restriction:  a must NOT equal b, because if a-b = 0, we'd have division by zero (which is not defined).

Where is Victoria's solution?  Please share it if you want to discuss this problem further.  Thank you.

solved
general 10 months ago 9380