Brainlet need help understanding basic mathematical concepts

[Anonymous No.10734907]

http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/1535652/uiconf_id/16269922/entry_id/0_jk85l1re/embed/auto?

So this video explains how they got to the answer. But it still leaves me with basically all the questions. How did he go from x-1=20x to -1=19x? How did we go from there to the conclusion -1/19=x?

I'm so fucking confused right now, anyone know how to make this shit make sense?

[Anonymous No.10734918]

For people who don't want to click spooky links, the question is "If x-1/x=20, what is x?" He converts this from a fraction to X * X-1/x = 20X and from there to x-1=20x

[Anonymous No.10734947]

If you multiply, divide, add or subtract the same thing from both sides, it should remain equivalent. ex, 0 = 19 + x is the same thing as 0 - 19 = 19 - 19 + x, which is the same thing as -19 = x. In this case, looks like he multiplied both sides by x, leading to x - 1 = 20x. Then, he subtracted x from both sides: x - x - 1 = 20x - x. This equals -1 = 19x. From there, divide both sides by 19 to get -1/19 = x.

Unless I'm missing something obvious.

[Anonymous No.10734953]

>>10734907
what part do you not get? its just basic algebra

[Anonymous No.10734955]

>>10734947

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

[Anonymous No.10734957]

>>10734953

>What part don't you get? It's just basic algebra
>Basic Algebra

That part. that's the one I don't get.

[Anonymous No.10734964]

>>10734957
i mean do you understand what x means? its just a variable that can be any number. Like the other guy said, its like a puzzle, you have to "undo" the operations to find out what x is

[Anonymous No.10734965]

>>10734907
>How did he go from x-1=20x to -1=19x?
What the hell? That's 7th grade math. I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you know the basic rules of algebra but just have trouble visualizing the concept from the symbols, in which case, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FBDqY41GjU

[Anonymous No.10734979]

>>10734965

I've been out of school for roughly 7 years now and have had no reason to do any math more complicated than basic addition and subtraction. _Maybe_ a little bit of percentages when dealing with taxes, but that's literally it. Not much use for algebra in fast food work, and even less use for it in operating bagging machinery in a warehouse.

But, trying to go back to school, so I need it now.

[Anonymous No.10734984]

>>10734907
Because 20x-x=19x

Don'task why

[Anonymous No.10734986]

>>10734979
You think 7 years is a lot? Try 10. Difference is probably that I have a good memory, a hobbyist interest in the subject and I sometimes teach others who have trouble with basic math as well. In any case, a good idea of what's going on behind all that crazy symbol manipulation is at least as important as the cut and dry ruleset as well, so be sure to watch all of these in sequence to get a good grasp on the subject.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN48Ba9Ncr8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye13MIPv6n0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbqO0YTUyAY

[Anonymous No.10735000]

>>10734986
Unfortunately (for my current circumstances) math has always been a massive chore for me. Always sucked at it, and always hated it. (Probably related, but that's the way it goes.)

Still, I'm glad for any help I can get since I need it now.

[Anonymous No.10735022]

>>10735000
An avoidance or sometimes even a phobia is an unfortunate side effect of the way math subjects are taught in schools. I suspect it's because of all the seemingly cryptic formulas and its arcane rewrite rules, correct? When you have time I suggest dabbling a bit in elementary geometry, especially the older kind, since it's a more visual and intuitive practice than raw algebra. And if you're looking for some motivation that even you can master advanced concepts then read the very short Lockhart's Lament.

[Anonymous No.10735040]

>>10735022
I suspect it was how I was taught in school. Whenever I'd go to solve an equation there was always a chance that the numbers would seem to just magically wind up somewhere they weren't supposed to, or I'd do the whole thing backwards (which in math, where even a single decimal point in the wrong place ruins everything you've done.... yeah. Kinda frustrating.) and other times when I wouldn't understand why things worked the way they did. But most teachers couldn't really seem to change how they explained things to make it easier to understand, so I just kind of gave up on that bit and focused on things I actually enjoyed.

[Anonymous No.10735063]

>>10735040
In that case, just watch the videos and follow my advice. As long as you never give up, you'll get around eventually.

[Anonymous No.10735088]

>>10735063
Will do friend. And thanks for the link to this channel. Lot's of neat stuff here.