SOLUTION: The numerator is one less than the denominator. if 2 is subtracted from the numerator added to the denominator, the value of the fraction is 1/2. find the original fraction.

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Question 119286: The numerator is one less than the denominator. if 2 is subtracted from the numerator added to the denominator, the value of the fraction is 1/2. find the original fraction.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let's call the fraction,
%28A-1%29%2FA
"if 2 is subtracted from the numerator added to the denominator, the value of the fraction is 1/2"
%28A-1-2%29%2F%28A%2B2%29=1%2F2
%28A-3%29%2F%28A%2B2%29=1%2F2
2%28A-3%29=%28A%2B2%29 Multiply both sides by 2(A+2).
2A-6=A%2B2
2A-A-6=2 Subtract A from both sides.
A-6=2
A=2%2B6 Add 6 to both sides.
A=8
Original fraction
%28A-1%29%2FA=7%2F8
Check your answer
%28A-3%29%2F%28A%2B2%29=1%2F2
%288-3%29%2F%288%2B2%29=1%2F2
5%2F10=1%2F2
1%2F2=1%2F2
True statement.
Good answer.