SOLUTION: The sum of a negative number, 1/4 of the negative number, and 7/16 of the negative number is -13 1/2. What is the negative number?

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: The sum of a negative number, 1/4 of the negative number, and 7/16 of the negative number is -13 1/2. What is the negative number?       Log On


   

Question 1112368: The sum of a negative number, 1/4 of the negative number, and 7/16 of the negative number is -13 1/2. What is the negative number?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The sum of a negative number, 1/4 of the negative number, and 7/16 of the negative number is -13 1/2.
:
let x = the number (which will turn out to be negative)
Change -13 1%2F2 to improper fraction -27%2F2
:
x + 1%2F4x + 7%2F16x = -27%2F2
multiply equation by 16, cancel the denominators
16x + 4(x) + 7(x) = 8(-27)
27x = -216
x = -216/27
x = -8
:
What is the negative number? -8