106k views
5 votes
What should the following equation be multiplied by in order to eliminate the fractions?

x/2 + x/3 = 25/3

A. 6
B. 9
C. 5
D. 25

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

A. 6

Explanation:

1. Find the lowest common denominator of the fractions: the lowest common factor of the existing denominators. Here it would be 2 x 3= 6. This is the lowest number that could be the denominator of all of the fractions.

2. Convert all of the fractions so that they have the lowest common denominator.

To do this:


(x)/(2) x
(3)/(3) (equivalent to 1, so doesn't change value of fraction)=
(3x)/(6)


(x)/(3) x
(2)/(2)=
(2x)/(6)


(25)/(3) x
(2)/(2)=
(50)/(6)

3. Now, since all of the fractions have the same denominator (all of the top numbers are divided by the same number on the bottom), then entire equation can be multiplied by this number to eliminate the fractions.

(
(3x)/(6) + (2x)/(6) = (50)/(6)) x 6 gives us: 3x + 2x=50

4. So, the answer would be A. 6, as this is the number that we multiplied the equation by to remove the fractions.

User Dmeister
by
5.1k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.