(2x+3)/(x-4) - (2x-8)/(2x+1) = 1 Solve for x

Multiply out the denominator, take care to multiply both sides of the equation:

(2x+3)(2x+1) - (2x-8)(x-4) = (2x+1)(x-4)

Expand the brackets, pay attention the the signs when multiplying, expecially the negative between the two sets of brackets on the left hand side.

4x2+2x+6x+3 - (2x2-8x-8x+32)=2x2-7x-4

4x2+2x+6x+3-2x2+8x+8x-32=2x2-7x-4

Group like terms on each side of the equation.

2x2+24x-29=2x2-7x-4

Bring all the terms to one side to leave a quadratic equation equal to 0. Remember to change the sign as you bring a term from one side to the other. 

31x-25 = 0

Rearrange for x

x= 25/31 (=0.81)

LM
Answered by Lucy M. Maths tutor

3627 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I work out the area of a quarter circle with radius 6cm?


​What's the difference between the mean, median and mode? Why are there so many different types of average?!


what is x+24=15


There are 10 boys and 20 girls in a class. The class has a test. The mean mark for all the class is 60. The mean mark for the girls is 54. Work out the mean mark for the boys.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning