Solving the Equation \( \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3} = -3 \left( \frac{5}{6}x – 5 \right) \)
We’re diving deep into the world of algebraic equations. The equation we’re tackling today is \( \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3} = -3 \left( \frac{5}{6}x – 5 \right) \). Let’s break down each step and understand the intricate details behind solving this equation.
Step 1: The Original Equation
Math: \( \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3} = -3 \left( \frac{5}{6}x – 5 \right) \)
Explanation: We begin with our initial equation. The goal is to isolate \( x \) on one side.
Step 2: Expand the Right Side
Math: \( \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3} = -\frac{15}{6}x + 15 \)
Explanation: We distribute the \( -3 \) to the terms inside the parentheses.
Step 3: Eliminate the Fractions
Math: \( 6 \left( \frac{1}{2}x \right) + 6 \left( \frac{1}{3} \right) = 6 \left( -\frac{15}{6}x \right) + 6 \times 15 \)
Explanation: Multiply each term by 6, the least common multiple of all denominators, to remove the fractions.
Step 4: Simplify
Math: \( 3x + 2 = -15x + 90 \)
Explanation: The terms are simplified after multiplying by 6.
Step 5: Combine Like Terms
Math: \( 3x + 15x = 90 – 2 \)
Explanation: Add \( 15x \) to both sides and subtract 2 from both sides.
Step 6: Solve for \( x \)
Math: \( 18x = 88 \)
Explanation: Combine the terms on both sides.
Step 7: Final Simplification
Math: \( x = \frac{88}{18} \)
Explanation: Divide both sides by 18 to get \( x \).
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully solved \( \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3} = -3 \left( \frac{5}{6}x – 5 \right) \) and found that \( x = \frac{88}{18} \), in agreement with WolframAlpha.
1/3x – 1/4 = 2(2/5x + 1) We begin with the new equation.
LCM of 3, 4, and 5 is 60 First, find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators 3, 4, and 5. The LCM is 60.
60 × (1/3x) – 60 × (1/4) = 60 × 2 × (2/5x + 1) Multiply every term by 60 to eliminate the fractions. This simplifies the equation.
20x – 15 = 24x + 120 Distribute the 60 to each term: 60 × 1/3x becomes 20x; 60 × 1/4 becomes 15; 60 × 2 × 2/5x becomes 24x; 60 × 2 × 1 becomes 120.
20x – 24x = 120 + 15 Next, move all terms involving x to one side and constant terms to the other side by adding 24x to both sides and adding 15 to both sides.
-4x = 135 Combine all the terms: 20x – 24x becomes -4x, and 120 + 15 becomes 135.
x = -33.75 Divide both sides by -4 to find x = -33.75.