document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=21794>Question 21794</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> 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 </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #10508 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=queenofit><B>queenofit(120)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-09.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=queenofit><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/nopicture.jpg><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=10508\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> I will work your example for you, if you have futher questions you may ask.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "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?<BR>\n" );
document.write( "ok your example was<BR>\n" );
document.write( "3a + 1 = 2<BR>\n" );
document.write( "______<BR>\n" );
document.write( "  5        The first thing is to get rid of the 5 by multiplying both sides    <BR>\n" );
document.write( "           by 5.  you do this because one side is a fraction which is actually<BR>\n" );
document.write( "           indicating division by 5.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "5 * 3a + 1<BR>\n" );
document.write( "    ______<BR>\n" );
document.write( "      5     = 2*5     this will get rid of your fraction, the 5s on the left<BR>\n" );
document.write( "                      cancel each other out and you are left with\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "3a + 1 = 10           Move your \"team\" players to their correct side<BR>\n" );
document.write( "3a=10-1               when you move the \"team\" players across the = sign they <BR>\n" );
document.write( "                      change from neg to pos or pos to neg.  understand?<BR>\n" );
document.write( "3a=9                  here you still have a team member on the other side.  <BR>\n" );
document.write( "                      since 3 is actually multiplying with the \"a\", you would <BR>\n" );
document.write( "                      divide each side by 3 to cancel out the 3 in front of the<BR>\n" );
document.write( "                      \"a\"<BR>\n" );
document.write( "3a = 9<BR>\n" );
document.write( "--   --<BR>\n" );
document.write( "3     3\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "a=3\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "  </SPAN>\n" );
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