SOLUTION: Hello, I need to solve this equation by clearing the LCD, and decimal answers are not accepted but fractions are. I worked through it and somehow managed to get a negative number

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations -> SOLUTION: Hello, I need to solve this equation by clearing the LCD, and decimal answers are not accepted but fractions are. I worked through it and somehow managed to get a negative number      Log On


   

Question 955262: Hello,
I need to solve this equation by clearing the LCD, and decimal answers are not accepted but fractions are. I worked through it and somehow managed to get a negative number. i know the LCD for 4,5,& 3 is 60.
x+15 over 4
plus
3x over 5
equals
2/3.
Thank you in advance!
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The answer MUST be negative. If it is positive,the first term on the left is at least 3 and 3/4 (15/4) with only another positive term to add.No way to add positive to get a smaller number (2/3). Check your answer in the original equation (you can use decimals) and you may find you were right all along.
%28x%2B15%29%2F4%2B3x%2F5=2%2F3
%2815%2F15%29%28%28x%2B15%29%2F4%29%2B%2812%2F12%29%283x%2F5%29=%282%2F3%29%2820%2F20%29
%2815x%2B225%29%2F60%2B36x%2F60=40%2F60
15x%2B225%2B36x=40
51x%2B225=40
51x=-185
x=-185/51