Solving Basic 1-variable Equations with Fractions
Objective
Know how to solve equations with 1 variable
Example
Solve for a. Express your answer as a fraction in its simplest form
a
8
=
2
3
Answer:
5
1
3
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Explanation
These questions are just like equations with integer answers, except you are working with fractions
a
8
=
2
3
As always, we want to isolate the variable. So, what is stopping a from being alone? The 8.
Remember that the fraction bar is the same thing as dividing. So we could rewrite this as:
a÷8
=
2
3
x 8 x 8
a
a
=
=
2 x 8
3
16
3
Simplifying
a =
5
1
3
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Examples
Example 1
E+
1
6
=
1
8
-1/6 -1/6
E=
E=
1
8
-
1
6
3
24
-
4
24
Answer:
E=
-1
24
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Example 2
3
5
b =
2
x5 x5
3
3
b =
b =
2x5
10
÷3 ÷3
b=
10
3
Answer:
b=
3
1
3
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Practice your skills
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Ready?