Pre-Algebra Examples

$\frac{- 3 x - 65}{(x + 5) (x - 5)} = \frac{7}{(x + 5) (x - 5)}$

Step 1

Since the expression on each side of the equation has the same denominator, the numerators must be equal.

$- 3 x - 65 = 7$

Step 2

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

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Step 2.1

Add $65$ to both sides of the equation.

$- 3 x = 7 + 65$

Step 2.2

Add $7$ and $65$ .

$- 3 x = 72$

Step 3

Divide each term in $- 3 x = 72$ by $- 3$ and simplify.

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Step 3.1

Divide each term in $- 3 x = 72$ by $- 3$ .

$\frac{- 3 x}{- 3} = \frac{72}{- 3}$

Step 3.2

Simplify the left side.

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Step 3.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $- 3$ .

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Step 3.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{- 3 x}{- 3} = \frac{72}{- 3}$

Step 3.2.1.2

Divide $x$ by $1$ .

$x = \frac{72}{- 3}$

Step 3.3

Simplify the right side.

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Step 3.3.1

Divide $72$ by $- 3$ .

$x = - 24$