Final answer:
To find the value of x, list known values, choose the right equations, simplify algebra, solve equations carefully, and check that solutions are reasonable.
Step-by-step explanation:
When solving problems that involve finding the value of x and potentially eliminating any extraneous solutions, it's essential to follow a systematic approach:
- List all known values and clearly identify what needs to be solved for.
- Select appropriate equations that can lead to the solution for the unknown.
- Simplify the algebra by eliminating terms wherever possible.
- Solve the equations meticulously, checking each algebraic step.
- Once a value for x is obtained, substitute it back into the original equation to check if the solution is reasonable and consistent with the outlined problem.
If an equation contains more than one unknown, then additional equations are needed. It's crucial to keep physical principles and logic in mind to ensure the final answer is not just mathematically correct but also makes sense in the context of the problem.