SOLUTION: this problem is not in the book I need to solve for x 1/a+1/x=1/b i know i have to subtract 1/a 1/x=1/b-1/a but do not know what to do next?

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: this problem is not in the book I need to solve for x 1/a+1/x=1/b i know i have to subtract 1/a 1/x=1/b-1/a but do not know what to do next?      Log On


   

Question 58267: this problem is not in the book
I need to solve for x
1/a+1/x=1/b
i know i have to subtract 1/a 1/x=1/b-1/a
but do not know what to do next?
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1%2Fx+=+%281%2Fb-1%2Fa%29 Then you multiply both sides by x.
1+=+x%281%2Fb-1%2Fa%29 Finally, you divide both sides by %281%2Fb-1%2Fa%29
1%2F%28%281%2Fb-1%2Fa%29%29+=+x or x+=+1%2F%28%281%2Fb-1%2Fa%29%29 You can simplify this to:
x+=+1%2F%28%28a-b%29%2Fab%29
x+=+ab%2F%28a-b%29