They are similar. Set the proportions equal to each other
(x + 8)/8 = (x+14)/12
Cross multiply
(x + 8)/8 (8)(12) = (x + 14)/12 (12)(8)
12(x + 8) = 8(x + 14)
Distribute the 12 and 8 to the corresponding monomials inside the parenthesis
12(x + 8) = 12x + 96
8(x + 14) = 8x + 112
12x + 96 = 8x + 112
Isolate the x. Subtract 8x from both sides and 96 from both sides
12x (-8x) + 96 (-96) = 8x (-8x) + 112 (-96)
12x - 8x = 112 - 96
4x = 16
Isolate the equal sign. Divide 4 from both sides
4x/4 = 16/4
x = 16/4
x = 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 is your answer for x
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
hope this helps
The division property of exponents only applies when the two powers have the same base.
You are correct, <span>5/8 is a fraction which represents a bit over half of a number.</span>
