Solve for X: Combining -1/4x + 2/3x - 1/6x = 2

Linear Equations with Fractional Coefficients

Solve for X:

14x+23x16x=2 -\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{2}{3}x-\frac{1}{6}x=2

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:04 We want to isolate the unknown X
00:10 Multiply by the common denominator to eliminate fractions
00:24 Divide 12 by each appropriate fraction
00:39 Solve each multiplication separately
00:51 Collect terms
00:57 Isolate the unknown X
01:08 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

14x+23x16x=2 -\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{2}{3}x-\frac{1}{6}x=2

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the common denominator.
  • Step 2: Rewrite the equation with the common denominator.
  • Step 3: Combine like terms.
  • Step 4: Solve the simplified equation for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The denominators of the fractions are 4, 3, and 6. The least common denominator is 12.

Step 2: Rewrite each term with the common denominator:

  • 14x=312x-\frac{1}{4}x = -\frac{3}{12}x
  • 23x=812x\frac{2}{3}x = \frac{8}{12}x
  • 16x=212x-\frac{1}{6}x = -\frac{2}{12}x

Step 3: Combine the fractions:

312x+812x212x=2-\frac{3}{12}x + \frac{8}{12}x - \frac{2}{12}x = 2

This simplifies to 312x=2\frac{3}{12}x = 2.

Step 4: Simplify and solve for x x :

Multiply both sides by 12 to clear the denominator:

3x=243x = 24

Divide both sides by 3:

x=8x = 8

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=8 x = 8 .

3

Final Answer

8 8

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Method: Find common denominator to combine fractional coefficients
  • Technique: Convert 14x -\frac{1}{4}x to 312x -\frac{3}{12}x when LCD is 12
  • Check: Substitute x = 8: 312(8)=2 \frac{3}{12}(8) = 2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without common denominators
    Don't add 14+2316 -\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{6} directly = wrong coefficient! Different denominators can't be combined. Always convert all fractions to the same denominator first (LCD = 12).

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 11=a-16 \)

\( a=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just work with the fractions as they are?

+

You need a common denominator to combine fractions correctly! Think of it like trying to add apples and oranges - you need to convert them to the same 'unit' first.

How do I find the LCD of 4, 3, and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 4 (4, 8, 12...), 3 (3, 6, 9, 12...), 6 (6, 12...). The smallest common multiple is 12!

What if I make an error converting to the common denominator?

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Double-check by asking: What do I multiply the denominator by to get 12? For 23 \frac{2}{3} : 3 × 4 = 12, so multiply numerator by 4 too: 812 \frac{8}{12} .

Why does the left side simplify to 3/12x?

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Combine the numerators: 3+82=3 -3 + 8 - 2 = 3 . Keep the same denominator: 312x \frac{3}{12}x . Then simplify: 312=14 \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4} .

Can I simplify 3/12 before solving?

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Absolutely! 312=14 \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4} , so your equation becomes 14x=2 \frac{1}{4}x = 2 . Then multiply both sides by 4 to get x = 8.

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