SOLUTION: This is a sample equation in my practice exercises in my math book the answer is 4/3 the problem is 4x-5=1/3 can you show me how to solve this problem in laymans' terms??

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: This is a sample equation in my practice exercises in my math book the answer is 4/3 the problem is 4x-5=1/3 can you show me how to solve this problem in laymans' terms??      Log On


   

Question 234914: This is a sample equation in my practice exercises in my math book
the answer is 4/3 the problem is 4x-5=1/3 can you show me how to solve this problem in laymans' terms??
Answer by JenniferTutors(83) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
For the problem: 4x-5=1%2F3
First, get 4x by itself by adding the -5 to the right side of the equation:
4x=5%2B1%2F3
Next, to combine the terms you need to make 5 into a fraction by having the same denominator as the other term, 3.
%285%2F1%29%283%2F3%29=15%2F3
4x=15%2F3%2B1%2F3
Now you can combine the fractions,
4x=16%2F3
Next, you want to get x by itself, so you would multiply the reciprocal of 4 on both sides of the equation:
%281%2F4%29%284x%2F1%29=%2816%2F3%29%281%2F4%29
Now, you're left with x by itself and you simplify the fraction:
x=%2816%2F12%29
x=4%2F3