Solve the Algebraic Fraction Equation: Finding X in -1/6(x + 1/3) = 1/2(1/3x - 1/9)

Linear Equations with Fractional Coefficients

Solve X:

16(x+13)=12(13x19) -\frac{1}{6}(x+\frac{1}{3})=\frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{9})

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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
00:20 Arrange the equation so that only the unknown X is on one side
00:39 Collect like terms
00:42 Isolate X
00:49 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 X:

16(x+13)=12(13x19) -\frac{1}{6}(x+\frac{1}{3})=\frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{3}x-\frac{1}{9})

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given equation 16(x+13)=12(13x19) -\frac{1}{6}(x + \frac{1}{3}) = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{3}x - \frac{1}{9}) , we will follow these steps:

Step 1: Eliminate the fractions.

  • Identify the LCM of the denominators: 6 (from 16-\frac{1}{6}) and 9 (from 19-\frac{1}{9}). The LCM is 18.
  • Multiply each term of the equation by 18 to clear the fractions.

Applying this, the equation becomes:

18×16(x+13)=18×12(13x19) 18 \times -\frac{1}{6}(x + \frac{1}{3}) = 18 \times \frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{3}x - \frac{1}{9})

Simplify each term:

  • For the left side: 18×16=3 18 \times -\frac{1}{6} = -3 . Thus, 3(x+13)-3(x + \frac{1}{3}).
  • For the right side: 18×12=9 18 \times \frac{1}{2} = 9 . Thus, 9(13x19)9(\frac{1}{3}x - \frac{1}{9}).

Now the equation is:

3(x+13)=9(13x19) -3(x + \frac{1}{3}) = 9(\frac{1}{3}x - \frac{1}{9})

Step 2: Distribute the terms.

The equation becomes:

  • Left side: 3x1-3x - 1 because 3×13=1-3 \times \frac{1}{3} = -1.
  • Right side: 3x13x - 1 because 9×13=39 \times \frac{1}{3} = 3 and 9×19=19 \times -\frac{1}{9} = -1.

Now we have:

3x1=3x1-3x - 1 = 3x - 1

Step 3: Solve for x x .

  • Add 3x 3x to both sides: 3x+3x1=3x+3x1-3x + 3x - 1 = 3x + 3x - 1
  • This simplifies to: 1=6x1-1 = 6x - 1
  • Add 1 to both sides: 1+1=6x1+1-1 + 1 = 6x - 1 + 1
  • This simplifies to: 0=6x0 = 6x
  • Finally, divide both sides by 6: x=06=0x = \frac{0}{6} = 0

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=0 x = 0 .

3

Final Answer

0

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Method: Multiply entire equation by LCD to eliminate all fractions
  • Distribution: After clearing fractions, distribute: -3(x + 1/3) = -3x - 1
  • Verification: Substitute x = 0: both sides equal -1/6 confirming solution ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Only multiplying some terms by the LCD
    Don't multiply just -1/6 by 18 and forget other fractional parts = unbalanced equation! This creates wrong coefficients and leads to incorrect solutions. Always multiply every single term on both sides by the LCD.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for x:

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why multiply by 18 instead of a smaller number?

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We need the LCD of all denominators (6, 3, 2, 9). The LCD of 6 and 9 is 18, which clears all fractions in one step, making the equation much simpler.

What if I get x = 0 as my answer - is that wrong?

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Zero is a perfectly valid solution! Many students think x = 0 means 'no answer,' but it simply means the variable equals zero. Always check by substituting back.

Can I solve this without clearing fractions first?

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Technically yes, but it's much harder and error-prone. Clearing fractions first transforms the problem into a simple linear equation that's easier to solve accurately.

How do I distribute negative fractions correctly?

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When distributing 16 -\frac{1}{6} , multiply it by each term inside the parentheses: 16×x -\frac{1}{6} \times x and 16×13 -\frac{1}{6} \times \frac{1}{3} .

What's the fastest way to check my work?

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Substitute your answer into the original equation. For x = 0: left side gives 118 -\frac{1}{18} and right side gives 118 -\frac{1}{18} . They match!

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