SOLUTION: :Louise read 5\8ths of the pages in her book, then read 18 more pages and found that she had 1/3 of the pages left, how many pages are in her book. Wouldn't it be 5/8x + 18 = 1/3x

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: :Louise read 5\8ths of the pages in her book, then read 18 more pages and found that she had 1/3 of the pages left, how many pages are in her book. Wouldn't it be 5/8x + 18 = 1/3x      Log On


   

Question 686125: :Louise read 5\8ths of the pages in her book, then read 18 more pages and found that she had 1/3 of the pages left, how many pages are in her book.
Wouldn't it be 5/8x + 18 = 1/3x to figure if out. Been a while for me. Lol
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I have to take it slow and step-by-step.
Let +p+ = the number of pages in her book
She read 5/8 of the pages in her book
So there are 3/8 of the pages left.
Now she reads 18 pages, so she has
3/8 of the pages - 18 pages
OK, so far this is wha she has left to read:
+%28+1+-+5%2F8+%29%2Ap+-+18+ and now
+%28+1+-+5%2F8%29%2Ap+-+18+=+%281%2F3%29%2Ap+
+%283%2F8%29%2Ap+-+18+=+%281%2F3%29%2Ap+
Multiply both sides by +24+
+9p+-+432+=+8p+
+p+=+432+
There are 432 pages in her book
check:
She read +%285%2F8%29%2A432+=+270+
+432+-+270+=+162+ pages left
+162+-+18+=+144+
and
+%281%2F3%29%2A432+=+144+
OK