SOLUTION: please help with method of solution for n/2-1/3=13/6

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: please help with method of solution for n/2-1/3=13/6      Log On


   



Question 495929: please help with method of solution for n/2-1/3=13/6
Found 2 solutions by ptaylor, josmiceli:
Answer by ptaylor(2198) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(n/2)-1/3=13/6 First, lets get rid of the fractions. We do this by multiplying each term in the equation by the lowest common denominator which is 6, sooo
6*(n/2)-6*(1/3)=6*(13/6) and this gives us
3n-2=13 add 2 to each side
3n-2+2=13+2 collect like terms
3n=15 divide each side by 3
n=5
CK
(5/2)-1/3=13/6 we could multiply by the lowest common denominator again or we could just add the fractions. Lets add the fractions:
5/2=15/6 (multiply numerator and denominator by 3)
1/3=2/6 (multiply numerator and denominator by 2), sooooo
15/6-2/6=13/6
13/6=13/6
Note that I used parens for some of the fractions (eg (n/2)) just to make sure there is no confusion.
n/2-1/3 could be read as n/(2-1/3) or (n/2)-1/3
Parens helps to underscore that some expressions are one quantity.

Hope this helps----ptaylor

Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+n%2F2+-+1%2F3+=+13%2F6+
The LCD is 6, so multiply both
sides by 6
+3n+-+2+=+13+
Add 2 to both sides
+3n+=+15+
Divide both sides by 3
+n+=+5+
------------
check the answer:
+n%2F2+-+1%2F3+=+13%2F6+
+5%2F2+-+1%2F3+=+13%2F6+
+15%2F6+-+2%2F6+=+13%2F6+
Multiply both sides by 6
+15+-+2+=+13+
+13+=+13+
OK