SOLUTION: 1/12u - 1/36 + 1/2u = 1/2 + u I have the answer but can't figure out how they got it.. I just need someone to show me how they got the answer of (-19/15)

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: 1/12u - 1/36 + 1/2u = 1/2 + u I have the answer but can't figure out how they got it.. I just need someone to show me how they got the answer of (-19/15)      Log On


   

Question 144239: 1/12u - 1/36 + 1/2u = 1/2 + u
I have the answer but can't figure out how they got it.. I just need someone to show me how they got the answer of (-19/15)
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%281%2F12%29u-1%2F36%2B%281%2F2%29u=1%2F2%2Bu Start with the given equation



Multiply both sides by the LCM of 36. This will eliminate the fractions (note: if you need help with finding the LCM, check out this solver)



3u-1%2B18u=18%2B36u Distribute and multiply the LCM to each side



21u-1=18%2B36u Combine like terms on the left side


21u=18%2B36u%2B1Add 1 to both sides


21u-36u=18%2B1 Subtract 36u from both sides


-15u=18%2B1 Combine like terms on the left side


-15u=19 Combine like terms on the right side


u=%2819%29%2F%28-15%29 Divide both sides by -15 to isolate u



u=-19%2F15 Reduce

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Answer:
So our answer is u=-19%2F15 (which is approximately u=-1.2667 in decimal form)