SOLUTION: I am a parent with 9th grde algebra problems with my son. We are both lost and I need help. The worksheet says Equations and rational numbers.I cannot identify where to begin here

Question 21794: I am a parent with 9th grde algebra problems with my son. We are both lost and I need help. The worksheet says Equations and rational numbers.I cannot identify where to begin here is an example problem, 3a+1 =2 the 3a+1 has a line under it like a fraction over 5. Some of the others are like this, 1/4h+1/2=1 or 3/5x+1/2=4 1/10
Answer by queenofit(120) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I will work your example for you, if you have futher questions you may ask.
Remember when working with fractions you must find the LCD (least common denominator)remember you are trying to get all the variables and numbers on different sides of the = sign. I find it easier to explain it to begining students as if the numbers are one "team" and the variables are the other "team". The teams oppose each other with the = sign being the middle man. each team must equal the other to be fair....understand?
ok your example was
3a + 1 = 2
______
5 The first thing is to get rid of the 5 by multiplying both sides
by 5. you do this because one side is a fraction which is actually
indicating division by 5.
5 * 3a + 1
______
5 = 2*5 this will get rid of your fraction, the 5s on the left
cancel each other out and you are left with
3a + 1 = 10 Move your "team" players to their correct side
3a=10-1 when you move the "team" players across the = sign they
change from neg to pos or pos to neg. understand?
3a=9 here you still have a team member on the other side.
since 3 is actually multiplying with the "a", you would
divide each side by 3 to cancel out the 3 in front of the
"a"
3a = 9
-- --
3 3
a=3

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