Math Is Fun Forum

robobudge

Member

Registered: 2014-04-23

Posts: 6

Question regarding Mathopolis Algebra section, subsection Equations

Hello,

This is in regards to Question 7 at the bottom of the Equations & Formulas subsection found under The Basics in the Algebra section of the Math is Fun website. I cannot post the link, just tried. If you scroll at the bottom of that subsection, you will find the question.

This is what I did, using the reciprocal instead:
C *9/5=5/9(F-32) *9/5
9/5C=F-32
F=9/5C+32

I got the correct answer, however, you can see I did it different from what the moderator did. I was wondering if it's ok and mostly, if it will cause me problems in more complex equations.

Thank you for your help!

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Question regarding Mathopolis Algebra section, subsection Equations

Hi;

I could not find the page so I guess you start with this

and did this,

C *9/5=5/9(F-32) *9/5

correct

9/5C=F-32

correct

F=9/5C+32

correct!

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

robobudge

Member

Registered: 2014-04-23

Posts: 6

Re: Question regarding Mathopolis Algebra section, subsection Equations

Thanks! This is how the moderator did it and it confused me because it seemed to make it more complicated than just using the reciprocal:
C=5/9(F-32)
C*9=5/9(F-32)*9
9C=5(F-32)
9C=5F-160
5F=9C+160
5f/5=9C/5 + 160/5
F=9/5C+32

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Question regarding Mathopolis Algebra section, subsection Equations

Hi robobudge;

His way is okay too. He did a few extra steps that is true.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

robobudge

Member

Registered: 2014-04-23

Posts: 6

Re: Question regarding Mathopolis Algebra section, subsection Equations

Thank you for your response bobbym.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Question regarding Mathopolis Algebra section, subsection Equations

You are welcome and hope to see you doing more.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.