Question

Beth is solving this equation: 1/x + 3 = 3/x

Answer 1

Answer:

B and C

Step-by-step explanation:

The really tough one to get rid of is A. She's right in her method and it sounds like A should be a deal breaker. Suppose however, you make y = 1/x. Now the equation is linear.

y + 3 = 3y            Subtract y from both sides

3 = 3y - y

3 = 2y                  Now divide this by by 2

3/2 = y          

But they are not the same answer!! You've gotten rid of one problem only to create another. Well yes. I never said it was easy getting rid of A. But remember y = 1/x, so x will equal 1 / y.

x = 1/y = 1//3/2 = 2/3

Now they agree.

That's kind of sneaky you might say. That's right it is. But its not wrong. A is not part of the answer.

B is certainly right.

C is correct as well, That's the way the equation is ultimately solved.

D is nonsense. You can do all sorts of things with the letters in equations