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-   -   Fractions and exponents-- (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=153363)

  • Nov 18, 2007, 09:22 AM
    madtown
    fractions and exponents--
    Here is my problem:


    so--here's my problem which I know you all will find easy, but I can't seem to solve for some reason:

    If 4- (1/x)=4x, then x=?

    Here are my steps:
    1. add the 1/x to the other side resulting in: 4=4x + (1/x)
    2. find a common denominator for the right hand side? Is that the right thing to do?

    I can't seem to get past this?

    Any help will be greatly appreciated!
  • Nov 18, 2007, 11:00 AM
    s_cianci
    That'll work.
  • Nov 18, 2007, 02:49 PM
    gkhemka
    Solution below -

    4=4x+1/x

    4= (4x^2 +1)/x

    4x = 4x^2 + 1

    0 = 4x^2 - 4x + 1

    0 = 4x^2 - 2x - 2x + 1

    0 = 2x(2x-1) - 1(2x-1)

    0 = (2x-1)^2

    0 = 2x-1

    1 = 2x

    1/2 = x
  • Nov 18, 2007, 03:26 PM
    terryg752
    Your steps are right.

    Next step is simply to multiply everything by x.

    Solve the resulting quadratic equation.

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