SOLUTION: Please help me solve this equation: What number is that, 1/5 of which is greater than 1/7 by 4 I tried working this problem several times, and couldn't get the right answer. I

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Please help me solve this equation: What number is that, 1/5 of which is greater than 1/7 by 4 I tried working this problem several times, and couldn't get the right answer. I       Log On


   

Question 1117660: Please help me solve this equation:
What number is that, 1/5 of which is greater than 1/7 by 4
I tried working this problem several times, and couldn't get the right answer. I can't really show my work because I tried so many different things.
I don't understand how to work this problem. Also, what does it mean when it says 1/7 by 4?
I appreciate any help you can offer!
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, solver91311:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39838) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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What number is that, 1/5 of which is greater than 1/7 by 4 ?
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The number is x.

Literal translation of the description into an equation:
%281%2F5%29x-1%2F7=4

-

x%2F5=4%2B1%2F7

x%2F5=%2828%2B1%29%2F7

x=5%2A29%2F7

x=145%2F7

Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


It doesn't just say " by 4", it says "greater than by 4", which simply means .

What number:

of which:

is:

greater than by 4:

Rewriting for ease of solving, noting that :



Just solve for . Hint, don't waste your time trying to reduce the fractional answer. 5, 7, and 29 are all prime, so there will be no common factors in your final numerator and denominator.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it