Solve for X: (5-x)·½ + 3x - 4(x-2) = ½(x+4) Linear Equation

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractions

Solve for X:

(5x)12+3x4(x2)=12(x+4) (5-x)\cdot\frac{1}{2}+3x-4(x-2)=\frac{1}{2}(x+4)

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply by the common denominator to eliminate fractions
00:08 Make sure to multiply what's needed
00:35 Collect like terms
00:39 Properly expand brackets, multiply by each term
00:51 Collect like terms
00:55 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
01:09 Collect like terms
01:12 Isolate X
01:17 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

(5x)12+3x4(x2)=12(x+4) (5-x)\cdot\frac{1}{2}+3x-4(x-2)=\frac{1}{2}(x+4)

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation (5x)12+3x4(x2)=12(x+4) (5-x)\cdot\frac{1}{2} + 3x - 4(x-2) = \frac{1}{2}(x+4) , we will follow a series of systematic steps.

Step 1: Simplify each side of the equation.

Distribute the terms:<br>(5x)12=52x2.<br> (5-x)\cdot\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2} - \frac{x}{2}.

Also distribute 4(x2)-4(x-2):<br>4(x2)=4x+8.<br> -4(x - 2) = -4x + 8 .

Thus, the equation simplifies to:
52x2+3x4x+8=12(x+4).\frac{5}{2} - \frac{x}{2} + 3x - 4x + 8 = \frac{1}{2}(x + 4).

Step 2: Combine like terms.

Combine terms on the left:
52+8x2+3x4x=12x+2.\frac{5}{2} + 8 - \frac{x}{2} + 3x - 4x = \frac{1}{2}x + 2.

Simplifying, we get:
212x2x=12x+2.\frac{21}{2} - \frac{x}{2} - x = \frac{1}{2}x + 2.

Step 3: Clear fractions and solve for x x .

Multiply the entire equation by 2 to eliminate fractions:
21x2x=x+4.21 - x - 2x = x + 4.

This simplifies to:
213x=x+4.21 - 3x = x + 4.

Add 3x 3x to both sides to isolate terms with x x on one side:
21=4x+4.21 = 4x + 4.

Subtract 4 from both sides:
17=4x.17 = 4x.

Finally, divide by 4:
x=174.x = \frac{17}{4}.

Thus, the solution is x=174 x = \frac{17}{4} .

3

Final Answer

174 \frac{17}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution: Apply distributive property to both fractional and integer terms
  • Technique: Multiply entire equation by 2: 174 \frac{17}{4} becomes 17=4x 17 = 4x
  • Check: Substitute x=174 x = \frac{17}{4} back into original equation for verification ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute the fraction to all terms
    Don't distribute 12 \frac{1}{2} to only part of (5-x) = incomplete simplification! This leaves terms unmultiplied and creates wrong coefficients. Always distribute the fraction to every term inside the parentheses.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 5x=1 \)

What is the value of x?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we multiply the whole equation by 2?

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Multiplying by 2 eliminates all the halves in the equation! This makes the math much cleaner: instead of working with x2 \frac{x}{2} and 212 \frac{21}{2} , you get simple integers like x and 21.

How do I handle negative signs when distributing?

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Be extra careful with signs! When you see -4(x-2), distribute the negative: -4 × x = -4x and -4 × (-2) = +8. The negative times negative gives positive.

What's the best order to combine like terms?

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Group similar terms together:

  • Constants: 52+8=212 \frac{5}{2} + 8 = \frac{21}{2}
  • x terms: x2+3x4x=3x2 -\frac{x}{2} + 3x - 4x = -\frac{3x}{2}
This keeps your work organized!

Can I check my answer without substituting everything back?

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While substitution is the most reliable method, you can also check by working backwards from x=174 x = \frac{17}{4} . But full substitution catches any arithmetic errors you might have missed!

Why is my final answer a fraction instead of a whole number?

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Not all linear equations have integer solutions! 174=4.25 \frac{17}{4} = 4.25 is perfectly valid. Many real-world problems naturally lead to fractional answers.

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