Solving the Equation: (4x-3)(2x-1) = (x-3)(4x-3)
This equation presents a classic example of solving a quadratic equation through simplification and factorization. Let's break down the steps:
1. Expanding the Products
First, we need to expand the products on both sides of the equation using the distributive property (also known as FOIL):
- Left side: (4x - 3)(2x - 1) = 8x² - 4x - 6x + 3 = 8x² - 10x + 3
- Right side: (x - 3)(4x - 3) = 4x² - 3x - 12x + 9 = 4x² - 15x + 9
Now, the equation becomes: 8x² - 10x + 3 = 4x² - 15x + 9
2. Combining Like Terms
To simplify the equation further, let's move all terms to one side:
- Subtract 4x² from both sides: 4x² - 10x + 3 = -15x + 9
- Add 15x to both sides: 4x² + 5x + 3 = 9
- Subtract 9 from both sides: 4x² + 5x - 6 = 0
Now, we have a standard quadratic equation: 4x² + 5x - 6 = 0
3. Factoring the Quadratic Equation
The next step is to factor the quadratic equation. We need to find two numbers that add up to 5 (the coefficient of the x term) and multiply to -24 (the product of the coefficient of the x² term and the constant term).
- The numbers 8 and -3 satisfy these conditions: 8 + (-3) = 5 and 8 * (-3) = -24.
Now, we can rewrite the equation as:
- (4x - 3)(x + 2) = 0
4. Solving for x
For the product of two factors to be zero, at least one of them must be zero. Therefore, we have two possible solutions:
-
4x - 3 = 0
- Add 3 to both sides: 4x = 3
- Divide both sides by 4: x = 3/4
-
x + 2 = 0
- Subtract 2 from both sides: x = -2
5. Conclusion
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (4x - 3)(2x - 1) = (x - 3)(4x - 3) are x = 3/4 and x = -2.