Question

Solve: negative 1 over 2 x + 1 = −x + 8 how would i do this with the fraction?

Answer 1

\[-\frac{ 1 }{ 2 }x+1=-x+8\]

so you have this right?

Answer 2

but how do i find x?

Answer 3

we're gonna get there

Answer 4

ok

Answer 5

so you see how there is a - one half x?

Answer 6

yeah

Answer 7

well, if you want to get rid of the fraction, multiply the ENTIRE thing by the denominator.this gives us

\[-x+2=-2x+16\]

do you get it so far?

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

ok, so then we combine like terms.

we'll start with x.
since there is a -x on the left, we are going to ADD x to both sides. so what is -2x+x?

Answer 10

-3x

Answer 11

no, we have NEGATIVE two plus POSITIVE one, which equals what?

Answer 12

-1x

Answer 13

good. so we have
2=-1x+16

now, since we combines the x's, we need to do the constants. since we started on the left last time, we're going to go to the right.

since we have a positive 16, we are going to subtract 16 from both sides.

we now have:
2-16= -1x + 16-16

what does that give us?

Answer 14

18= -1x

Answer 15

close. you have a positive 2 and you subtract 16 from that.

what do we have ?

Answer 16

14=-1x

Answer 17

it's negative 14

Answer 18

ok

Answer 19

does that make sense so far?

Answer 20

yeas

Answer 21

yes

Answer 22

ok so we have -14=-x

now when you have a -x, how do you make it positive?

Answer 23

i don't know.

Answer 24

ok so when you have equations such as these \[-x=-14\] we have to divide BOTH sides by a -1 in order to make our x positive

do you follow?

Answer 25

yes

Answer 26

ok so \[ \frac{ -x }{ -1 }= x\]

then what is -14 divided by -1

Answer 27

positive 14

Answer 28

good, so we are left with x=14

Answer 29

understand?

Answer 30

yes thank you for your help

Answer 31

you're welcome :)

Answer 32

have a great evening.

Answer 33

you too!