SOLUTION: Solve the equation. 5/x^2-38/x=16 Select the correct choice below and if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: Solve the equation. 5/x^2-38/x=16 Select the correct choice below and if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.      Log On


   



Question 889358: Solve the equation. 5/x^2-38/x=16 Select the correct choice below and if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
5/x^2-38/x=16
5%2Fx%5E2-38%2Fx=16

Multiply left and right sides by x%5E2.

First result is 5-38x=16x%5E2, and then
16x%5E2%2B38x-5=0

Maybe or maybe not factorable.
General solution gives
x=%28-38%2B-+sqrt%2838%5E2-4%2A16%2A%28-5%29%29%29%2F%282%2A16%29
x=%28-38%2B-+sqrt%281764%29%29%2F%282%2A16%29
x=%28-38%2B-+42%29%2F%282%2A16%29
x=%28-19%2B-+21%29%2F16
-
x=-40%2F16=-20%2F8=-10%2F4=highlight%28-5%2F2%29
OR
highlight%28x=1%2F8%29