SOLUTION: (b-a) over ay = (b^2-a^2) over bx. in this problem we are supposed to find the x to y ratio. I multiplied b-a times bx and got b^2x-abx, then the other side ab^2y-a^3y and then put

Algebra ->  Proportions  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: (b-a) over ay = (b^2-a^2) over bx. in this problem we are supposed to find the x to y ratio. I multiplied b-a times bx and got b^2x-abx, then the other side ab^2y-a^3y and then put      Log On


   

Question 711279: (b-a) over ay = (b^2-a^2) over bx. in this problem we are supposed to find the x to y ratio. I multiplied b-a times bx and got b^2x-abx, then the other side ab^2y-a^3y and then put it together: b^2x-abx=ab^2y-a^3y then I factored out a bx from the quantity onthe left and got (b-a) and factored out a ay on the right the right and got (b^2-a^2) so then it is set up like: bx(b-a)=ay(b^2-a^2) now im kind of lost I see the difference of two squares but I don't know how to do the next step or if the steps I did were even the right ones to begin with
Answer by tutor_paul(519) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28b-a%29%2Fay=%28b%5E2-a%5E2%29%2Fbx
You want to solve this for x/y.
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Multiply each side of the equation by x:
%28x%28b-a%29%29%2Fay=%28b%5E2-a%5E2%29%2Fb
Multiply each side of the equation by a:
%28x%28b-a%29%29%2Fy=%28a%28b%5E2-a%5E2%29%29%2Fb
Divide each side of the equation by (b-a):
highlight%28x%2Fy=%28a%28b%5E2-a%5E2%29%29%2F%28b%28b-a%29%29%29
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Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com