SOLUTION: I need help understanding how to simplify expressions using fractions. I am not understanding the first step I need to do. Here is an example problem: 1/2(3a-8)+1/3(2a-9)

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Question 128784: I need help understanding how to simplify expressions using fractions. I am not understanding the first step I need to do. Here is an example problem:
1/2(3a-8)+1/3(2a-9)
Found 2 solutions by checkley71, edjones:
Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
IF YOU MEAN
(3A-8)/2+(2A-9)/3 THEN:
COMBINING THESE FRACTIONS BY FINDING A COMMON DENOMINATOR (6) WE GET:
[3(3A-8)+2(2A-9)]/(2*3)
(9A-24+4A-18)/6
(13A-42)/6

Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1/2(3a-8)+1/3(2a-9)
LCD=6
(3(3a-8)+2(2a-9))/6
(9a-24+4a-18)/6
(13a-42)/6
(13a/6)-7
.
Ed