Solve the Complex Equation: Balancing Fractions to Find X

Linear Equations with Multiple Fraction Terms

Solve for X:

638x+624x=58x+73 6-\frac{3}{8}x+\frac{6}{24}x=\frac{5}{8}x+7-3

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:05 Factor 6 into factors 2 and 3
00:08 Factor 24 into factors 3 and 7
00:18 Group factors
00:24 Reduce what's possible
00:35 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
00:41 Write the fractions under one fraction
00:54 Continue arranging the equation
01:03 Group factors
01:07 Isolate X by multiplying by the reciprocal fraction
01:23 Factor 6 into factors 2 and 3
01:26 Reduce what's possible
01:31 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:

638x+624x=58x+73 6-\frac{3}{8}x+\frac{6}{24}x=\frac{5}{8}x+7-3

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve for x x step by step:

First, we rewrite the given equation:
638x+624x=58x+73 6 - \frac{3}{8}x + \frac{6}{24}x = \frac{5}{8}x + 7 - 3 .

Simplify the terms:
624x\frac{6}{24}x simplifies to 14x\frac{1}{4}x.

Rewrite the equation:
638x+14x=58x+4 6 - \frac{3}{8}x + \frac{1}{4}x = \frac{5}{8}x + 4 .

Convert 14\frac{1}{4} to 28\frac{2}{8} to combine the terms:
638x+28x=58x+4 6 - \frac{3}{8}x + \frac{2}{8}x = \frac{5}{8}x + 4 .

Combine like terms on the left:
618x=58x+4 6 - \frac{1}{8}x = \frac{5}{8}x + 4 .

Move all terms involving x x to one side and constants to the other:
Subtract 58x\frac{5}{8}x from both sides:
618x58x=4 6 - \frac{1}{8}x - \frac{5}{8}x = 4 .

Combine the x x -terms:
668x=4 6 - \frac{6}{8}x = 4 .

Simplify 68\frac{6}{8} to 34\frac{3}{4}:
634x=4 6 - \frac{3}{4}x = 4 .

Subtract 6 from both sides to isolate the term with x x :
34x=46-\frac{3}{4}x = 4 - 6 .

Solve the constant:
34x=2-\frac{3}{4}x = -2 .

Divide both sides by 34-\frac{3}{4} to solve for x x :
x=234=2×43=83 x = \frac{-2}{-\frac{3}{4}} = \frac{-2 \times 4}{-3} = \frac{8}{3} .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=83 x = \frac{8}{3} .

3

Final Answer

83 \frac{8}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplification: Reduce fractions first: 624x=14x \frac{6}{24}x = \frac{1}{4}x
  • Common Denominators: Convert 14x \frac{1}{4}x to 28x \frac{2}{8}x for easier combining
  • Verification: Substitute x=83 x = \frac{8}{3} : both sides equal 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not simplifying fractions before combining terms
    Don't leave 624x \frac{6}{24}x unsimplified and try to work with eighths and twenty-fourths = messy calculations and errors! This makes combining like terms nearly impossible. Always simplify fractions to lowest terms first, then convert to common denominators.

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 do I need to simplify fractions before solving?

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Simplifying fractions like 624=14 \frac{6}{24} = \frac{1}{4} makes the problem much easier! You can spot patterns and combine terms more quickly when fractions are in lowest terms.

How do I combine fractions with different denominators?

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Find a common denominator first. In this problem, convert 14x \frac{1}{4}x to 28x \frac{2}{8}x so you can combine it with 38x \frac{3}{8}x .

What's the easiest way to isolate x when it has a fraction coefficient?

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When you have 34x=2 -\frac{3}{4}x = -2 , divide both sides by the fraction coefficient. Remember: dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal!

How can I check if my fraction answer is correct?

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Substitute x=83 x = \frac{8}{3} back into the original equation. Calculate each side separately - they should both equal the same number (in this case, both sides equal 4).

Is there a faster way to solve this type of problem?

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Yes! After simplifying fractions, you can multiply the entire equation by the LCD of all denominators to eliminate fractions completely, then solve the resulting simpler equation.

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