If xyx + y = 3, then what is x in terms of y? | GMAT Sprint

Free Practice Question

PS · Problem Solving

sub-505

Algebra

If $\frac{xy}{x + y} = 3$ , then what is x in terms of y?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

\frac{y - 3}{3y}

\frac{3y}{y + 3}

\frac{3y}{y - 3}

Correct

\frac{y}{3y - 3}

\frac{y + 3}{3y}

See the full step-by-step explanation

You can see the correct answer above. Sign in for free to unlock the complete worked solution.

Track your performance and improve

Get detailed analytics, unlock full explanations, and move up difficulty tiers as you practice.

Start for free Sign in

Explanation

Preview

Official Explanation

Official

To solve for x in terms of y, we start with the equation

\frac{xy}{x + y} = 3

. We can cross-multiply to eliminate the fraction:

xy = 3(x + y)

. Expanding the right side gives us

xy = 3x + 3y

. Next, we rearrange the equation to isolate terms involving…

Read the full explanation

Create free account Sign in

Comments

RoDeSoApr 3, 2025

Thank for sharing!

AliciaFeb 26, 2025

thankss

MirzebeyevaFeb 5, 2025

Can someone explain it other way?

ViranchJan 31, 2025

Great!

RyanJul 29, 2024

thanks!

AndrewSep 7, 2024

thank you very much!

What this question tests

What it tests

Your ability to manipulate linear and quadratic expressions, substitute unknowns, and solve equations under time pressure.

Common trap

Losing a sign when moving terms across the equals sign, or dividing both sides by a variable that could equal zero.

If xyx+y=3\frac{xy}{x + y} = 3x+yxy​=3, then what is x in terms of y?