Hi, there--

The Problem:
You did not say, but I suspect that you want to solve this equation for x.


Solution:
We want to combine the x terms on the left hand side. Subtract (1/4)x from both sides. 


The terms (3/4)x-(1/4)=(1/2)x. The terms (1/4)x-(1/4)x=0 so you no longer have x terms on 
the right hand side.


We want to combine the constant terms on the right hand side of the equation. Subtract 1/2 from 
both sides.


The constants 1/2-1/2=0 so we have no constant terms on the left side of the equation.
-3/2-1/2 combines to -4/2, or -2.



Multiply both sides of the equation by 2 to make the coefficient of the x term be 1 (Note: 1/2
and 2 are reciprocal number, so (1/2)*2 = 1.)


It's always a good idea to check your work for errors. Substitute -4 for x in the original equation.




Check!

That's it! We solved for x and found that x = -4 is an equivalent form of the original equation.
Please email me if you have questions or comments about the solution.

Ms.Figgy
math.in.the.vortex@gmail.com