SOLUTION: Hi; I have a problem I need help with please! I am to solve for y y + 1/2 = -1/3(x + 1/2) Do I try to get rid of the fractions first by multipying everything by the common de

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Hi; I have a problem I need help with please! I am to solve for y y + 1/2 = -1/3(x + 1/2) Do I try to get rid of the fractions first by multipying everything by the common de      Log On


   

Question 318427: Hi; I have a problem I need help with please! I am to solve for y
y + 1/2 = -1/3(x + 1/2)
Do I try to get rid of the fractions first by multipying everything by the common denominator of 6? or do I need to get rid of what's in parenthesis first? I am getting mixed up--- I can't get rid of the parenthesis before getting my LCD, can I?

Thanks in advance for your guidance!---Sandy
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You need to distribute first (so you can avoid doing things twice)


y+%2B+1%2F2+=+-%281%2F3%29%28x+%2B+1%2F2%29 Start with the given equation.


y+%2B+1%2F2+=+-%281%2F3%29x+-%281%2F3%29%281%2F2%29 Distribute.


y+%2B+1%2F2+=+-%281%2F3%29x+-1%2F6 Multiply -1%2F3 and 1%2F2 to get -1%2F6.


6y+%2B+3+=+-2x+-1 Multiply EVERY term by the LCD 6 to clear out the fractions.


6y+=+-2x+-1-3 Subtract 3 from both sides.


6y+=+-2x+-4 Combine like terms.


y=%28-2x-4%29%2F%286%29 Divide both sides by 6 to isolate y.


y=%28%28-2%29%2F%286%29%29x%2B%28-4%29%2F%286%29 Break up the fraction.


y=-%281%2F3%29x-2%2F3 Reduce.


So the solution is y=-%281%2F3%29x-2%2F3