Question

(x - 5)(2x) = (x - 5)(4)

Answer 1

can I just cross out (x - 5) on both sides?

Answer 2

Don't distribute anything

Answer 3

No you can't Cross out the x-5 's

Answer 4

Do It the way I showed you earlier.

Answer 5

Im talking about divide both sides by (x - 5)

Answer 6

No, don't do that either. That's not a legal step. You can't divide by the Variable you're solving for.

Answer 7

but 2x is left over to solve for tho...

Answer 8

Here's an example of what to do:

Answer 9

look at the problem, its different lol

Answer 10

the principle is the same

start by subtracting (x - 5)(4) from each side to get

(x - 5)(2x) - (x - 5)(4) = 0

Answer 11

then factor.

(x-5)[2x - 4] = 0

then solve for x