Question

Why can't you use fractions in standard form?

Answer 1

Standard Form cannot have fractions if they are in a a fraction, you must multiply each side to get rid of it.

Answer 2

The definition of the standard form of a linear equation is that all coefficients are mutually-prime integers and the leading coefficient is positive.

Explanation:

Any rational coefficients in the equation can be converted to integers by multiplying by the least common denominator of those coefficients. Any common factors must be removed. The equation must be arranged so that the leading coefficient is positive, possibly by multiplying by -1.

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If a coefficient is a fraction, the form is not "standard form."

Examples

... (1/2)x -(1/3)y = 2 . . . . . not standard form

... -3x +2y = -12 . . . . . . . . not standard form

... 2y -3x = -12 . . . . . . . . . standard form

... 3x -2y = 12 . . . . . . . . . . standard form