How do you solve #7/2 - 3x = -1#?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
May 6, 2016

#x = 1 1/2#

Explanation:

The equation can be solved by using fractions.
#3 1/2 + 1 = 3x#

#4 1/2 = 3x#

#x = 1 1/2#

However, many students struggle with fractions and not all equations work out as easily as this one does. Here is a more general approach if there are fractions in an equation.

Step 1: multiply each term by the LCM of the denominators to cancel them.

#cancelcolor(red)(2) xx 7/cancel2 - color(red)(2)xx3x =-1xxcolor(red)2#

#7 - 6x = -2#

Step 2: There are no more fractions, now solve for the variable.

#7 +2 = 6x#

#9 = 6x#

#x = 1.5#

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