Algebra Demystified 2nd Ed

216 algebra De mystif ieD

2.^6
52

9

xx− 76

=

+

This equation is in the form “Fraction = Fraction,”

so cross-multiply.

67 6952

42 36 45 18

42 42

36 318

18

()xx()

xx

xx

x

+= −

+= −

−−

=−

+ ++

=

=

=

18

54 3

54

3

18

x

x

x

3. (x − 7)^2 − 4 = (x + 1)^2
   ()()xx ()()xx

xxxxxx

x

−−−= ++

−−+−= +++

77411

(^22774941)
(^2) −−+=++
−+=+
−−
−
14 45 21
14 45 21
22
1
xx^22 xx
xx
xx
,scancel
66451
45 45
16 44
44
16
11
4
(^234)
x
x
x
x
+=
−−
−=−
=−
−
= or