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Probably the simplest way to approach solving this equation is to multiply both sides by 14 = 7·2. This leads to
Multiply through:
Add 20x and then 252 to both sides:
Finallly, divide by 62 to obtain x = 192/64 = 3. Ed Barbeau mentions a professor one of whose students multiplied both sides by 2 and forgot the 7, a second multiplied both sides by 7 and forgot the 2, and a third neglected both the 7 and the 2. All got correct answers. For example, let's assume we forgot to multiply by 2:
Just as before. How come? References
Copyright © 1996-2010 Alexander Bogomolny
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