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

Algebra.Com
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)

Answer by fcabanski(1391)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1. Combine the fractions using an LCD: (w+x)/xw = 1/y


2. Cross multiply: yw+yx = xw


3. Move the w terms to the same side: yx = xw - yw


4. Remove w from all terms on the right: yx = w(x-y)


5. Divide both sides by x-y: yx/(x-y) = w

RELATED QUESTIONS

A four-digit integer WXYZ, in which W, X, Y, and Z each represent a different digit, is... (answered by josgarithmetic)
I do not know how to solve system equations using substitions with fractions. Do i... (answered by ptaylor)
Hello, I have a few problems, and this should be easy but I'm over thinking it. f9x0 =... (answered by solver91311)
Dear Sir/Madam, Please help me with this equation:... (answered by stanbon)
I encounted in a math book recently the following equation:... (answered by venugopalramana)
2X ____ X + 5 _________ X2 THIS IS MEANT TO BE X SQUARED ____ X-1 I... (answered by stanbon)
3/c-4 = c-1/c-4 Please solve that rational equation using cross multiplication and... (answered by richwmiller,oberobic)
Hello: I am asked to solve for x x - z = xy + w This is a practice exam so I am... (answered by josmiceli,stanbon)
hey, im in algebra 1 and if i dont pass w/ a passing grade i get kicked out. I can't... (answered by rapaljer)