Question

Find the values of x in this equation: x - (15/x)= 2

Answer 1

x - (15/x)= 2
x^2 - 15 = 2x
x^2 - 2x - 15 = 0
(x -5)(x + 3) = 0
x - 5 = 0; x = 5
x + 3 = 0; x = -3

answer
x = -3, 5

Answer 2

Multiply all terms by x and cancel
xx+-15=2x
x^2-15=2x simplify both sides
x^2-15-2x=2x-2x subtract 2x from both sides
x^2-2x-15=0
(x+3)(x-5)=0 factor left side of equation
x+3=0 or x-5=0 set factors equal to 0
x=-3 or x=5
hope this helps!