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Solve for x

-1/2 ( x + 2 ) + 1 1/2 x = 3

Please explain step by step on how I get this answer!!

1 Answer

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Conversion a mixed number 3 1/2

to a improper fraction: 3 1/2 = 3 1/2= 3 · 2 + 1/2= 6 + 1/2 = 7/2

To find a new numerator:

a) Multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 2. Whole number 3 equally 3 * 2/2= 6/2

b) Add the answer from previous step 6 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 6 + 1 = 7

c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 7) over the denominator 2.

Three and one half is seven halfs

Conversion a mixed number 1 2/3

to a improper fraction: 1 2/3 = 1 2/3= 1 · 3 + 2/3= 3 + 2/3= 5/3

To find a new numerator:

a) Multiply the whole number 1 by the denominator 3. Whole number 1 equally 1 * 3/3= 3/3

b) Add the answer from previous step 3 to the numerator 2. New numerator is 3 + 2 = 5

c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 5) over the denominator 3.

One and two thirds is five thirds

Subtract: 7/2 - 5/3= 7 · 3/2 · 3- 5 · 2/3 · 2= 21/6 - 10/6= 21 - 10/6= 11/6

It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator for adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(2, 3) = 6. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 2 × 3 = 6. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.

In other words - seven halfs minus five thirds is eleven sixths.

User Barry Jordan
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