SOLUTION: 3/4x + 1/2 = 1/4x -3/2

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Question 624176: 3/4x + 1/2 = 1/4x -3/2

Answer by math-vortex(648) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi, there--

The Problem:
You did not say, but I suspect that you want to solve this equation for x.
%283%2F4%29x%2B1%2F2=%281%2F4%29x-3%2F2

Solution:
We want to combine the x terms on the left hand side. Subtract (1/4)x from both sides. 
%283%2F4%29x%2B1%2F2-%281%2F4%29x=%281%2F4%29x-3%2F2-%281%2F4%29x

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.
%281%2F2%29x%2B1%2F2=-3%2F2

We want to combine the constant terms on the right hand side of the equation. Subtract 1/2 from 
both sides.
%281%2F2%29x%2B1%2F2-1%2F2=-3%2F2-1%2F2

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.

%281%2F2%29x=-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.)
x=-4

It's always a good idea to check your work for errors. Substitute -4 for x in the original equation.
%283%2F4%29x%2B1%2F2=%281%2F4%29x-3%2F2
%283%2F4%29%28-4%29%2B1%2F2=%281%2F4%29%28-4%29-3%2F2
-3%2B1%2F2=-1-3%2F2
-2%261%2F2=-2%261%2F2
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