Question 253697: How do you solve this equation: 3ac*1/4d
(the 1/4 is supposed to be "one fourth")
a= 2
c= 4
d= -1
Answer by ptaylor(2198)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! OK. Let's see if I can help some:
First of all equations are mathematical statements that assert the equality of two expressions. Equations have equal signs associated with them, whereas, algebraic expressions do not---so actually we will be evaluating an expression. Now if we were dealing with 3ac*(1/4)d=x (solve for x when a=2, c=4 and d=-1)then we would be dealing with an equation.
Secondly, we need to be very careful how we write our equations or expressions otherwise we can generate a lot of confusion. For example, is your expression 3ac*(1/(4d)) or is it 3ac*(1/4)d? Frequently, we can use parens to clarify our equation or expression so there will not be any room for confusion. We'll work your problem both ways:
3ac*(1/(4d))=(3*2*4)(1/(4*-1)=24(1/(-4))=-6
3ac*(1/4)d=(3.2*4)(1/4)*(-1)=24(-1/4)=-6
OK, they come out the same only because the value of d, which is -1, only changes the sign.(-1/4) is the same as (1/-4)
Now a good drill for you is to work the problem both ways when d=2. I bet you will get different answers.
Hope this helps---ptaylor
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