Question 553908: x-3/y=x solve for x
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 
This is actually called a "literal equation." The first step is to remove the fraction by multiplying both sides by the denominator which is y.
If you are solving for x, you have to get all the x terms on one side, and the non-x terms on the other side. Because of the -3, I recommend bringing the x terms to the left side by subtracting xy from each side:
Now, add +3 to each side:
Now, here is the tricky part! To solve for x, you have to FACTOR the x in order to get it in one place!
Now, divide both sides by (1-y):
For a NON-TRADITIONAL explanation of this topic, LITERAL EQUATIONS that is probably easier to understand than your own textbook, please see my own website! The easiest way to find it is to use the easy-to-remember and easy-to-spell link www.mathinlivingcolor.com. At the very bottom of this page there is a link that will take you to the Homepage of my website. I have a complete ALGEBRA curriculum there with LOTS of practice tests, and even a few videos. Best of all, it's all FREE!!!
For this particular topic, when you find the Homepage, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time", choose "Intermediate Algebra" and look in "Chapter 2" for "Section 2.07 Fractional and Literal Equations" beginning ironically on page 207. There is a complete explanation, together with lots of examples and exercises with ALL the answers given. You will especially like the "Math in Living Color" pages that go with this, where most of the hardest exercises are solved for you IN COLOR! I even have a video of me teaching this topic from before I retired. To see the video, look on my Homepage for the link "Rapalje Videos in Living Color." Remember, it's all FREE!
If you or anyone needs to contact me, my Email address is rapaljer@seminolestate.edu.
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus
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