Math Is Fun Forum

William F

Member

Registered: 2012-07-03

Posts: 16

Basic Algebra Help

Hi guys,
      I've been having some trouble solving the below equation for B:

I have a blind spot for this one and I need to get on the right path. What is the first step to solving this?

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

hi William F

I'd start by multiplying both sides by the denominator:

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Hi;

Sorry, did not see the earlier reply by Bob.

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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.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

hi bobbym,

Nice to hear from you.  Hope you are well.

It took you longer to write the whole thing whereas I just did line 1.

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

William F

Member

Registered: 2012-07-03

Posts: 16

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Thanks to both of you! I was able to solve with bobs push in the right direction and I was able to check my work with bobbyms contribution.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

You are welcome.  Glad to hear you managed most of it on your own! 

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Hi bob bundy;

Good to see you. I am fine, how are you?

Hi William F;

Have not seen you in a while.

---

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.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

hi bobbym

I'm very well thanks.  We had a wonderful week at Lake Bled in Slovenia.  Now got a pile of jobs to catch up on.  Today, clear out the 'work room' so the electrician can put in new ceiling lights.  Better go and start moving files. 

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Hi Bob;

Glad you had a good time in Slovenia. I am looking at some photos, stunning beauty!

---

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.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Yes, we did and it is very beautiful.  Great walking and the locals were very welcoming.

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Hi;

Did you get to see that structure on the island in the middle of the lake?

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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.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

It's the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary.  You can row out to it but we didn't.  It is a popular place for weddings.  There are 90 steps up from the lakeside and tradition requires that the groom carry his bride up all 90.  Our guide was naturally asked what happens if he drops her.  She just said the wedding is off!

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Whew! 90 steps. It certainly says something about the grooms desire and the bride's dietary habits.

---

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.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

It's a mountainous region so I'm quessing they are pretty fit generally.  Perhaps, these days the roles reverse after 45 steps.

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

True, today's gal can kick, punch and scream all the way up those stairs while carrying a full grown man. Saw that in a movie...

---

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.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,626

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Here's a couple of pics.  One from the hillside shwoing a view of the island; and one from the nearest point lakeside, showing the steps.

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Basic Algebra Help

Hi Bob;

Thanks for the pictures! That is a big climb. I had no idea the country was so beautiful.

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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.