Final answer:
To eliminate fractions in an equation, multiply each term by the least common denominator, if present. In the provided equation, which appears to lack fractions, there may be a typo. The common method preserves the balance of the equation by applying the same operation to all terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To eliminate the fractions in the equation -5(2x) = 5 + x before solving, you should identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators involved. However, since there are no visible fractions in the provided equation, we assume there may have been a typographical error in your question. If the equation was, for example, -5/2x = 5/1 + x/1, you would not need to find an LCM as there are no denominators to unify; instead, you would normally multiply through by 2x (if 2x is the denominator), the least common denominator (LCD), to clear the fractions.
In situations where fractional coefficients or terms are present in an equation, multiplying each term on both sides of the equation by the least common denominator is a standard method used to eliminate the fractions and simplify the equation for solving. Remember, whatever operation you perform, do it to every term in the equation to maintain the equal balance of the equation.
When dealing with signs in multiplication or division, it is important to remember that multiplying or dividing two positive numbers results in a positive answer, two negative numbers give a positive result, while differing signs produce a negative result.