Solve for X: Combining Fractions 2/3x + 1/4x - 1/5x + 1/2x = 2

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractional Terms

Solve for X:

23x+14x15x+12x=2 \frac{2}{3}x+\frac{1}{4}x-\frac{1}{5}x+\frac{1}{2}x=2

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's solve the equation.
00:12 We need to make X the subject. Let's focus on that.
00:18 First, we'll multiply both sides by the common denominator to get rid of the fractions.
00:30 We'll divide sixty by each fraction accordingly.
00:35 Now, let's solve each multiplication one at a time.
01:02 Next, we gather all the like terms together.
01:19 Finally, let's isolate X to find its value.
01:33 And that's how we find the solution to our problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

23x+14x15x+12x=2 \frac{2}{3}x+\frac{1}{4}x-\frac{1}{5}x+\frac{1}{2}x=2

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve for x x in the equation 23x+14x15x+12x=2 \frac{2}{3}x+\frac{1}{4}x-\frac{1}{5}x+\frac{1}{2}x=2 , we will follow these steps:

Step 1: Combine the coefficients of x x by finding a common denominator.
- The denominators are 3, 4, 5, and 2. The least common multiple (LCM) of these is 60.
- Rewrite each term with a denominator of 60:
23x=4060x\frac{2}{3}x = \frac{40}{60}x, 14x=1560x\frac{1}{4}x = \frac{15}{60}x, 15x=1260x\frac{1}{5}x = \frac{12}{60}x, 12x=3060x\frac{1}{2}x = \frac{30}{60}x.

Step 2: Combine the fractions:
- Combine to get: 4060x+1560x1260x+3060x=7360x.\frac{40}{60}x + \frac{15}{60}x - \frac{12}{60}x + \frac{30}{60}x = \frac{73}{60}x.

Step 3: Set up the equation and solve for x x :
- The equation becomes 7360x=2\frac{73}{60}x = 2.
- Multiply both sides by 6073\frac{60}{73} to isolate x x :
x=2×6073 x = 2 \times \frac{60}{73} .

Therefore, x=12073 x = \frac{120}{73} .

3

Final Answer

12073 \frac{120}{73}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Method: Find common denominator to combine all fractional coefficients
  • Technique: Convert 23x \frac{2}{3}x to 4060x \frac{40}{60}x using LCD 60
  • Check: Substitute x=12073 x = \frac{120}{73} back: both sides equal 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without common denominator
    Don't add 23+14 \frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{4} directly as 37 \frac{3}{7} = wrong coefficient! You can't add fractions with different denominators. Always find the LCD first and convert each fraction before combining.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( x+7=14 \)

\( x=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the LCD of 3, 4, 5, and 2?

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List the multiples of each number until you find the smallest one they all share: 60 is the first number divisible by 3, 4, 5, and 2.

Why can't I just solve each term separately?

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All the terms are combined on the left side of the equation. You must add or subtract the coefficients of x first, then solve for x in one step.

What if I forget the negative sign in front of 1/5x?

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Be extra careful with signs! The term is subtracted, so when combining: 4060+15601260+3060=7360 \frac{40}{60} + \frac{15}{60} - \frac{12}{60} + \frac{30}{60} = \frac{73}{60}

Is there an easier way than using LCD 60?

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You could work with decimal equivalents, but fractions give exact answers. Decimals might introduce rounding errors and make verification harder.

How do I multiply by the reciprocal at the end?

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To solve 7360x=2 \frac{73}{60}x = 2 , multiply both sides by 6073 \frac{60}{73} : x=2×6073=12073 x = 2 \times \frac{60}{73} = \frac{120}{73}

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