Math 017 Materials With Exercises

Lesson 9__________________________________________________________________________________Topics: Solving linear equations involving fractions; Solving equations for a given variable.__________________________________________________________________________________We will continue solving equations.Solving linear equations involving fractionsIf you are to solve an equation involving fractions, you can eliminate the fractions by applying thefollowing „trick‟: multiply both sides by a common multiple of all denominators of the equation.This step or ‘trick’ is not a requirement; however, if you chose to omit this step, you would have tocontinue to work with fractions in order to solve the equation.■ Solve the following equation4x1523.4x1523In this equation, “15” is a common multiple of bothdenominators (which are 5 and 3). We multiply both sidesby 15. 4x 2 151 15 5 3 Remove parentheses.4x215151 1553Cancel the denominators.34x 15 52Simplify.12x 1510„Bring 15 to the other side‟ by subtracting 15 from bothsides12x 5 Divide each side by 12.5x 12The solution of the equation4x2 51 is x . ■5 3 12Example 9.1 Solve the following equationSolution:3x1x 12 33x1x 1.2 3To get rid of fractions, multiply both sides by 6 (commonmultiple of all denominators on both sides, i.e. 2 and 3).88