SOLUTION: please help me solve this problem: 1 3/5x-2 1/4=1 2/3

Algebra ->  College  -> Linear Algebra -> SOLUTION: please help me solve this problem: 1 3/5x-2 1/4=1 2/3      Log On


   



Question 159528: please help me solve this problem: 1 3/5x-2 1/4=1 2/3
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1 3/5 x - 2 1/4 = 1 2/3
:
I assume the problems is:
13%2F5x - 21%2F4 = 12%2F3
:
Change them all from mixed numbers to improper fractions
(I assume you know how to do that, if not, email me and we can go over it)
8%2F5x - 9%2F4 = 5%2F3
:
Get rid of the denominators, multiplying by 60 will do this for us:
(note that all the denominators are factors of 60)
60*8%2F5x - 60*9%2F4 = 60*5%2F3
:
Cancel out the denominators and you have:
12(8)x - 15(9) = 20(5)
;
96x - 135 = 100
:
Add 135 to both sides:
96x = 100 + 135
:
96x = 235
:
Divide both sides by 96:
x = 235%2F96
Using pencil long division you will come up with a mixed fraction
x = 243%2F96
:
:
Check solution on a calc
Enter (8/5)(235/96) - (9/4) = 1.6666 which is 12%2F3
:
I suggest you study each step until you understand it. It will be worth the time and trouble.