How do you solve #\frac { x + 1} { x - 5} = \frac { 3} { 7}#?

1 Answer
Dec 8, 2017

#x = -5.5#. See below for my work!

Explanation:

In order to solve for x, you're going to want to utilize cross-multiplication! That's where you multiply the numerator of the left side of the equation by the denominator of the right side, vice versa. Here it is in action!

#(x+1)/(x-5)=3/7#

#(x+1)*7=(x-5)*3#

You solve normally from there!

#7x+7=3x-15#

#4x+7=-15#

#4x=-22#

#x=-22/4#

#x = -5.5#