How do you solve (2x)/(x-4)=8/(x-4)+32xx4=8x4+3?

2 Answers
May 14, 2017

No solution!

Explanation:

First, note that 4 cannot be a solution (division by zero)

Then, multiply both sides by (x-4)(x4), you get

2x = 8+3*(x-4)2x=8+3(x4)
=> 3x-2x= 3*4-83x2x=348
=> x = 4x=4 which is impossible!
So there is no solution

May 14, 2017

The equation is unsolvable.

Explanation:

We have:

(2x)/(x-4) = 8/(x-4)+32xx4=8x4+3

Multiply all terms by x-4x4.

2x=8+3(x-4)2x=8+3(x4)

Expand the brackets.

2x=8+3x-12=3x-42x=8+3x12=3x4

Add 4-2x42x to both sides.

4=x4=x or x=4x=4

Unfortunately this leads to a problem that x=4x=4 is a singularity (mathematicians don't like infinities).

Reorganise the original equation by subtracting 8/(x-4)8x4 from both sides.

(2x-8)/(x-4)=32x8x4=3

This gives:

(2(x-4))/(x-4)=32(x4)x4=3

This gives 2=32=3 the equation makes no sense unless x=4x=4 in which case both sides are infinite..