Does x=12 satisfiy the equation 16 - 1/2x = 3/4x + 1

Mathematics · Middle School · Sun Jan 24 2021

Answered on

Given the equation:

16 - ½x = ¾x + 1

Determine if x = 12 satisfies the equation.

Solution:

In order to determine if  x = 12 satisfies the equation, we must simply solve for x.

16 - ½x = ¾x + 1

Transpose 1 and -½ to the opposite sides of the equation, hence it must be taken to note that in transposing a number, the sign changes.

16 - ½x = ¾x + 1

16 - 1 = ¾x + ½x

15 = ¾x + 2/4x

15 = 5/4x

Multiply both sides of the equation by 4/5 which is the opposite of 5/4 in order to cancel out 5/4x leaving behind x.

15 (4/5) = (5/4x)(4/5)

x = 12

Final answer:

x = 12 satisfies the equation.