Advanced MathHardRational equation with x on both sides
Advanced Math practice question
If (x + 2)/(x − 1) = 3 and x ≠ 1, what is the value of x? (Enter your answer as a fraction or decimal.)
Answer: 5/2 or 2.5
Multiply through: x + 2 = 3x − 3, so 5 = 2x and x = 5/2.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 1
- x = 1 is excluded — it makes the denominator zero.
- If you answered 5
- 5 is 2x; halve it.
- If you answered -5/2
- Collect terms carefully: 2 + 3 = 3x − x gives 5 = 2x, positive.
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