Solve for X: Simplifying (6-3(x+4))/5 = (x-3)/2

Linear Equations with Rational Fractions

Solve for X:

63×(x+4)5=x32 \frac{6-3\times(x+4)}{5}=\frac{x-3}{2}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:05 Multiply by denominators to eliminate fractions
00:14 Carefully open parentheses correctly, multiply by each factor
00:52 Collect like terms
00:56 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
01:05 Collect like terms
01:09 Isolate X
01:16 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:

63×(x+4)5=x32 \frac{6-3\times(x+4)}{5}=\frac{x-3}{2}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 63×(x+4)5=x32 \frac{6-3\times(x+4)}{5} = \frac{x-3}{2} , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Eliminate Fractions
    Multiply both sides by the least common multiple of the denominators, which is 10: 10×(63×(x+4)5)=10×(x32) 10 \times \left(\frac{6-3\times(x+4)}{5}\right) = 10 \times \left(\frac{x-3}{2}\right)
  • Step 2: Simplify
    This simplifies to: 2×(63×(x+4))=5×(x3) 2 \times (6 - 3 \times (x+4)) = 5 \times (x - 3)
  • Step 3: Distribute
    Distribute on both sides: 2×62×3×(x+4)=5x15 2 \times 6 - 2 \times 3 \times (x+4) = 5x - 15
  • Step 4: Simplify the distribution
    Simplifying gives: 126×(x+4)=5x15 12 - 6 \times (x+4) = 5x - 15
  • Step 5: Further distribute and simplify: 126x24=5x15 12 - 6x - 24 = 5x - 15 Combine like terms: 6x12=5x15 -6x - 12 = 5x - 15
  • Step 6: Solve for x x
    Add 6x 6x to both sides: 12=11x15 -12 = 11x - 15 Add 15 to both sides: 3=11x 3 = 11x Divide by 11: x=311 x = \frac{3}{11}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=311 x = \frac{3}{11} .

3

Final Answer

311 \frac{3}{11}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Elimination: Multiply both sides by LCD to clear all fractions
  • Distribution: Expand 6-3(x+4) = 6-3x-12 = -3x-6
  • Verification: Substitute x=3/11 back: both sides equal 3/22 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Incorrect distribution of negative coefficients
    Don't distribute -3(x+4) as -3x+12 = wrong signs! This creates -3x+12 instead of -3x-12, leading to x=-33/11. Always distribute the negative to both terms: -3(x+4) = -3x-12.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( 6 - x = 10 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why multiply by 10 instead of just cross-multiplying?

+

Cross-multiplication only works for simple proportions like a/b = c/d. Here we have complex expressions in the numerators, so we need the LCD method to clear fractions properly.

How do I know the LCD of 5 and 2?

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List multiples: 5, 10, 15... and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10... The smallest common multiple is 10, so that's your LCD!

What if I mess up the distribution step?

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Take it one term at a time! For -3(x+4): first -3×x = -3x, then -3×4 = -12. So -3(x+4) = -3x-12. Check each step before moving on.

Is 3/11 really the right answer? It seems weird.

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Yes! Many linear equations have fractional solutions. Verify: substitute x=3/11 into the original equation and check that both sides equal the same value.

Can I convert everything to decimals instead?

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You could, but fractions are often more precise. Converting 3/11 ≈ 0.272727... introduces rounding errors. Keep fractions for exact answers!

What's the most important step to not mess up?

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The distribution step! Students often forget that 2×(6-3(x+4)) means you multiply 2 by everything inside: 2×6 and 2×(-3(x+4)) = 12-6(x+4).

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