WAEC 2021 Mathematics · Question 4
make u the subject in x =
Options
- A.u =
- B.u =
- C.u =
- D.u =
Answer: C. u =
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Analyze the question: We need to rearrange x = (2u − 3)/(3u + 2) so that u stands alone on one side. This is "changing the subject of a formula" where the variable appears in both numerator and denominator.
Concept: Cross-multiply to clear the fraction, group all u-terms on one side, factorise out u, then divide.
Solution:
- Cross-multiply: x(3u + 2) = 2u − 3
- Expand: 3xu + 2x = 2u − 3
- Collect u-terms on the left and the other terms on the right: 3xu − 2u = −3 − 2x
- Factorise u: u(3x − 2) = −(2x + 3)
- Divide: u = −(2x + 3)/(3x − 2)
- Multiply the numerator and denominator by −1 to get a positive-looking denominator: u = (2x + 3)/(2 − 3x)
Check with a number: Let u = 1, then x = (2 − 3)/(3 + 2) = −1/5. Using option C: (2(−1/5) + 3)/(2 − 3(−1/5)) = (2.6)/(2.6) = 1 ✓
Answer: C
Tip: In "change of subject" questions where the subject appears twice, always remember: cross-multiply, group, factorise, divide. Watch your signs when moving terms. A quick substitution check with a simple number can confirm your answer in seconds.
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