# Solving a problem involving nonlinear functions and equations

• July 14th 2010, 08:00 AM
Mariolee
Solving a problem involving nonlinear functions and equations
Hello, quick question. I'm pretty sure I know how to do this, but it's just slipping my mind right now. Could anyone tell me how to solve this problem?

If a≠0 and 5/x=5+a/x+a, what is the value of x?
• July 14th 2010, 08:07 AM
Ackbeet
I'm guessing you meant

$\dfrac{5}{x}=\dfrac{5+a}{x+a}.$

Is that correct? (You should be more careful with parentheses!)

If this is correct, then I don't think it's really nonlinear. What would you do as a first step?
• July 14th 2010, 08:28 AM
Mariolee
Yup, that's what I meant. What I tried to do first was get a common denominator on both sides, so I multiplied x on the right side and x+a on the left side.
• July 14th 2010, 08:37 AM
Mathelogician
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mariolee
Yup, that's what I meant. What I tried to do first was get a common denominator on both sides, so I multiplied x on the right side and x+a on the left side.

I think you have gone the way right! and then x=5. So what is wrong here??!
• July 14th 2010, 08:44 AM
Mariolee
Dang, I did know how to do this. Thanks guys!