SOLUTION: I'm having a hard time figuring this out. Thank you in advance. I need to solve this: 5/(x+1) = 2/(x-3)

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: I'm having a hard time figuring this out. Thank you in advance. I need to solve this: 5/(x+1) = 2/(x-3)      Log On


   

Question 992071: I'm having a hard time figuring this out.
Thank you in advance.
I need to solve this:
5/(x+1) = 2/(x-3)
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+5%2F%28+x%2B1+%29+=+2%2F%28+x-3+%29+
Multiply both sides by +%28+x%2B1+%29%2A%28+x-3+%29+
+5%2A%28+x-3+%29+=+2%2A%28+x%2B1+%29+
+5x+-+15+=+2x+%2B+2+
Subtract +2x+ from both sides
+3x+-+15+=+2+
Add +15+ to both sides
+3x+=+17+
Divide both sides by +3+
+x+=+17%2F3+
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check answer:
+5%2F%28+x%2B1+%29+=+2%2F%28+x-3+%29+
+5%2F%28+%2817%2F3%29%2B1+%29+=+2%2F%28+%2817%2F3%29-3+%29+
+5%2F%28+%2817%2F3%29%2B%283%2F3%29+%29+=+2%2F%28+%2817%2F3%29-%289%2F3%29+%29+
+5%2F%28+20%2F3+%29+=+2%2F%28+8%2F3+%29+
+15%2F20+=+6%2F8+
Divide top and bottom of the left side by +5+
+3%2F4+=+6%2F8+
Divide top and bottom of the right side by +2+
+3%2F4+=+3%2F4+
OK