How do you multiply $(x-2)/ 3=1/ x$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2015-05-09T08:47:51

Cross multiplication is used here:

$(x-2) xx x = 1 xx 3$

we obtain equation:
$x^2 - 2x = 3$
$x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0$

solving this equation by grouping / splitting the middle term:
$x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0$

The middle term $-2x = - 3x + 1x$ and
The product $-3 = -3 xx 1$ .

$x^2 - 3x + 1x - 3 = 0$
grouping by taking out common terms:
$x( x - 3) +1 (x - 3) = 0$
$(x - 3) + (x+1) = 0$

solutions for the equation:
$x = 3 or x = -1$

How do you multiply (x-2)/ 3=1/ x(x-2)/ 3=1/ x?