Question

Solve for x: 2 over 5 (x - 4) = 2x.

- The whole fraction thing really confuses me, someone walk me through this?

Answer 1

First solve 5(x-4). That is 5x-20.

Answer 2

Next, make both sides of the equation have the same denominator. If you can do that, the denominators will just disappear. So, the denominator on the left is 5x-2, and on the right is 1. To make both sides have the same denominator, multiply the right side by (5x-20)/(5x-20).

Answer 3

Which gives you (on the right side) 2x(5x-20)/(5x-20).

Answer 4

Drop the denominators (b/c they're equal on both sides) and you're left with 2=2x(5x-20).

Answer 5

In my 2nd comment, I meant 5x-20 when I said 5x-2.

Answer 6

@Avihirschx uh, the only answer choices I have are:
-8

negative 1 over 2

1

-1

Answer 7

I might have messed up something. Let me do the problem over again. Give me a minute.

Answer 8

No, I was right. Perhaps I am confused as the how the problem looks? Is it this:\[\frac{ 2 }{ 5(x-4) }=2x\]

Answer 9

\[\frac{ 2 }{ 5 }(x-4)=2x\]

Answer 10

@Avihirschx

Answer 11

OK, that explains that.

Answer 12

This can be expressed as: 2(x-4)/5=2x. Do you understand why?

Answer 13

2/5(x-4)=2x
2(x-4)=2x.5
2x-8=10x
8x=-8
x=-1

Answer 14

Yes. That^. I was trying to explain each step :).