Question

Solve algebraically:
14/x^2 - 5/x = 1

Thank you!!! (:

Answer 1

assuming x≠0, multiply by x^2 to get

14 - 5x = x^2
x^2+5x-14 = 0
(x+7)(x-2) = 0
I think you can take it from there, no?

Answer 2

That's exactly what I was thinking, then I was also thinking, wouldn't this work?

14 - 5/x = x^2
14 - 5 = x^3
9 = x^3
???

Answer 3

no, you have to multiply every term by x^2. This method skips the 5/x term. Then your second line skips the 14 term when multiplying by x.

What kind of algebra is that?

Answer 4

...I don't know that's exactly why I was asking actually. cool. thanks.