For your example
1 over x-3 = 2 over x+3 minus 4(x over x[squared] - 1)
As Jerry said, take a look at Solver.
You can set up each side of the equation as a separate formula with x being a
cell reference (I'll assume A1) with a dummy value in it. This means you now
have two cells with a formula in them (I'll assume A3 and B3), each referring to
cell A1 for the x portion, and at the moment each giving you a different answer.
Now in a fourth cell, say C3, put =B3-A3 and this will simply display the result
of one minus the other. For your equation to solve for the value of x you need
the two sides of the formula to be equal, which means cell C3 should be 0. Now
just tell Solver to set cell C3 to 0 by changing the value in cell A1.
This really does take the fun out of equations though, as it would be quicker
and more enjoyable to solve it with pen and paper than it would to set it up in
Excel.
--
Regards
Ken....................... Microsoft MVP - Excel
Sys Spec - Win XP Pro / XL 97/00/02/03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ruralkansas said:
Can Excel 97 find the x-values of an equation such as
5x - 2 = 0
or
9x[squared] - 6x = -1
or
1 over x-3 = 2 over x+3 minus 4(x over x[squared] - 1)
What about quadratic equations??
Thanks!
