SOLUTION: Can you help me find what "w" is in this equation
1/x+1/w=1/y
I understand to multiply by the least common denominator but I am lost after that.
Thanks
Question 655628: Can you help me find what "w" is in this equation
1/x+1/w=1/y
I understand to multiply by the least common denominator but I am lost after that.
Thanks Found 3 solutions by MathDazed, Alan3354, fcabanski:Answer by MathDazed(34) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website! 1/x + 1/w = 1/y
Find the LCM which is xwy
{(wy + xy = xw)/xwy}
Since you have an equation over the LCM, you can disregard the LCM
wy + xy = xw
Collect like terms
wy - xw = -xy
Factor out w
w(y-x) = -xy
Divide both sides by (y-x)
w = -xy/(y-x) Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website! 1/x+1/w=1/y
1/w = 1/y - 1/x = (x-y)/xy
Invert
w = xy/(x-y)