Week 1-Helpful Information-Linear Equation With Fractions


This problem requires you to solve for x. The key is to not let the fractions scare you.


                                          -6(x+1) = 5(x +4)
                                               5              2

     Step 1: Multiply both sides of the equation by 10. The reason you do this is to eliminate the denominators on both sides. 10 is a least common denominator, that is 2 x 5 =10. This results in the following:

                                          10 x -6(x+1) = 10 x 5(x +4)  or
                                                 5                       2

                                            2 x -6(x+1) = 5 x 5(x+4) or  -12(x+1) = 25(x+4)

     Step 2: Next distribute both sides of the equation. This results in:

                                                -12x-12 = 25x + 100

     Step 3: Combine both terms with the variable.  Add + 12 x to both sides. This results in:

                                            +12x -12x -12 = -12 = 25x +12x +100 = 37x +100

     Step 4: Subtract 100 from both sides. -12 -100 = -112 = 37x +100-100 = 37x

                                                                               -112 = 37x

     Step 5: Divide both sides by 37.   x = -112    or  -3   1   or  -3.027
                                                                  37               37

     **********************************************************************                                                            


                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                             

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