Solve for X in the Fraction Equation: 1/8(1/2x - 1/3) = 1/4(1/4x + 1/6)

Linear Equations with No Solution Cases

Solve for X:

18(12x13)=14(14x+16) \frac{1}{8}(\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{1}{3})=\frac{1}{4}(\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{1}{6})

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solution
00:03 Open parentheses properly, multiply by each factor
00:26 Arrange the equation so that only the unknown X is on one side
00:36 We got an illogical expression therefore there is no 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:

18(12x13)=14(14x+16) \frac{1}{8}(\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{1}{3})=\frac{1}{4}(\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{1}{6})

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Clear the fractions by multiplying both sides by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, which in this case is 8.
  • Step 2: Simplify and solve the resulting equation.
  • Step 3: Analyze if there is a potential solution to this equation.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The original equation is:

18(12x13)=14(14x+16)\frac{1}{8}\left(\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{1}{3}\right) = \frac{1}{4}\left(\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{1}{6}\right)

Multiply both sides by 8 to clear the fractions:

818(12x13)=814(14x+16)8 \cdot \frac{1}{8}\left(\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{1}{3}\right) = 8 \cdot \frac{1}{4}\left(\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{1}{6}\right)

This gives us:

12x13=2(14x+16)\frac{1}{2}x-\frac{1}{3} = 2\left(\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{1}{6}\right)

Step 2: Simplify each side:

On the left side, we have 12x13\frac{1}{2}x - \frac{1}{3}.

On the right side, distribute the 2: 2(14x+16)=24x+26=12x+132\left(\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{1}{6}\right) = \frac{2}{4}x + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3}.

The equation now is:

12x13=12x+13\frac{1}{2}x - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3}

Step 3: Let's try to solve for x x by eliminating 12x\frac{1}{2}x from both sides:

12x1312x=12x+1312x\frac{1}{2}x - \frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{2}x = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{2}x

Which simplifies to:

13=13-\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}

This is a contradiction, which implies that there is no value for x x that satisfies the equation.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is There is no solution.

3

Final Answer

There is no solution

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Multiply both sides by LCD to clear all fractions
  • Technique: Distribute carefully: 2(14x+16)=12x+13 2(\frac{1}{4}x + \frac{1}{6}) = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{3}
  • Check: If constants contradict like 13=13 -\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3} , no solution exists ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming every equation must have a solution
    Don't keep trying different methods when you get 13=13 -\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3} = impossible statement! This contradiction means the original equation has no solution. Always recognize when identical variable terms cancel out leaving false statements.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for x:

\( 2(4-x)=8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How can an equation have no solution?

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When you simplify and get a false statement like 13=13 -\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3} , it means no value of x can make the original equation true. This happens when both sides have the same variable terms but different constants.

Did I make a mistake if I get no solution?

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Not necessarily! Check your algebra steps first. If they're correct and you get a contradiction like 5=3 5 = 3 , then 'no solution' is the right answer.

What's the difference between no solution and x = 0?

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No solution means the equation is impossible to satisfy. x = 0 means zero is the specific value that makes the equation true. They're completely different!

How do I write 'no solution' as an answer?

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You can write it as:

  • 'No solution'
  • '∅' (empty set symbol)
  • 'The equation has no solution'
All of these are correct mathematical ways to express it.

Why did the variable terms cancel out?

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Both sides had 12x \frac{1}{2}x after simplifying. When you subtract 12x \frac{1}{2}x from both sides, the variable disappears completely, leaving only the contradictory constants.

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