Questions: Solve for x in each of the following. a. 2/5 = x/18 b. 5/6 = -35/x

Solution Steps

We start with the equation:

\[ \frac{2}{5} = \frac{x}{18} \]

Using cross-multiplication, we have:

\[ 2 \cdot 18 = 5 \cdot x \]

Calculating the left side:

\[ 36 = 5x \]

To isolate \( x \), we divide both sides by 5:

\[ x = \frac{36}{5} = 7.2 \]

Next, we consider the equation:

\[ \frac{5}{6} = \frac{-35}{x} \]

Again, we use cross-multiplication:

\[ 5x = 6 \cdot (-35) \]

Calculating the right side:

\[ 5x = -210 \]

To isolate \( x \), we divide both sides by 5:

\[ x = \frac{-210}{5} = -42.0 \]

Final Answer