Question

S is the midpoint of RT, RS= -2x, and ST= -3x-2. If you answer, include an explanation. I want to see where I got wrong.

Answer 1

If S is the midpoint, then RS = ST.

Answer 2

Start from there and double-check your algebra.

Answer 3

The away I was taught to do this was -2x= -3x-2. The way I solved it, I keep getting 1 or -1. That is -2(1)=-2 and -3(1)-2=4. Both sides are supposed to be even which I'm not getting...Help?

Answer 4

First, x has to be negative so that the lengths are positive.

Answer 5

Since both sides of the equals sign are negative, you can multiply both sides by -1 to get:
2x=3x+2

Answer 6

Now subtract 2x from each side and subtract 2 from each side.

Answer 7

Wouldn't that result as -2x=1x? That's what I got.

Answer 8

-2x=*-1x I meant.

Answer 9

No.
From
\(2x=3x+2\)
\(\cancel{-2x}-2+\cancel{2x}=3x\cancel{+2}-2x+\cancel{-2}\)
\(-2=x.\)

Answer 10

That's very confusing. I don't know. I'll study it more. Thanks for replying.

Answer 11

It's standard procedure. If you're solving for x, you need to get x by itself on one side of the equals sign and everything that is not x on the other side; this is done by using inverse operations.