How do you solve 7 over 3 equals 2 over x - 5?

Answer 1

The answer is 5 and 6/7. For workings/method, see below.

7 = 2

3 =x-5

The easiest way to change two fractions into simple numbers is by cross multiplying. In other words, you multiply the denominator (bottom) on one side of the equation, by the nominator (top) on the other side of the equation.

This will give you:

7(x-5) = 2 x 3

After expanding the brackets and multiplying out you get:

7x - 35 = 6

One thing you do now, is to get all the numbers on one side and the letters (in this case it is x) on the other.

So firstly add 35 to BOTH sides.

7x - 35 + 35 = 6 + 35

This gives you:

7x = 41

To get x on its own, you divide both sides by 7.

7x = 41

7 = 7

so:

x = 41

.... 7

Which also equals: 5 and 6/7