SOLUTION: Hi, PROBLEM: 3y-5/3 + y/2 = -2/3 How do I get rid of the fractions? I'd like a detailed solution that I can base myself on to work on other similar questions in exams. This i

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Hi, PROBLEM: 3y-5/3 + y/2 = -2/3 How do I get rid of the fractions? I'd like a detailed solution that I can base myself on to work on other similar questions in exams. This i      Log On


   

Question 832012: Hi,
PROBLEM: 3y-5/3 + y/2 = -2/3
How do I get rid of the fractions? I'd like a detailed solution that I can base myself on to work on other similar questions in exams. This is part of a bigger homework question but is the only part of the latter I'm actually struggling with. I'm using a method that would make it easier on me if I could clear all fractions and make everything look neater.
Thanks for your time.
Best,
Anonymous
Answer by erica65404(394) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3y-%285%2F3%29+%2B+y%2F2+=+-2%2F3
To get rid of fractions you need to find the least common denominator. The current denominators are 1, 3 and 2. The lowest numbers these can be factored into is 6. So we need to multiply each term by a fraction equal to 1 that will give it a new denominator of 6.
%283y%2F1%29%2A%286%2F6%29=%2818y%29%2F6
%28-5%2F3%29%2A%282%2F2%29=-10%2F6
%28y%2F2%29+%2A+%283%2F3%29+=+%283y%29%2F6
%28-2%2F3%29%2A%282%2F2%29=-4%2F6
now you will have the equation.
%2818y%2F6%29-%2810%2F6%29%2B%283y%2F6%29=-4%2F6
now simply solve for y.
%2821y%2F6%29-%2810%2F6%29=-4%2F6
%2821y%29%2F6+=+%28-4%2F6%29+%2B+%2810%2F6%29
%2821y%29%2F6=+6%2F6
y=%286%2F6%29%2F%2821%2F6%29
y=%286%2F6%29%2A%286%2F21%29
y=6%2F21
reduce.
2%2F7

If you need more help, email me at ericahigley@yahoo.com.