Solve the Equation: 1/4y + 1/2y + 5 - 12 = 0

Linear Equations with Mixed Number Solutions

14y+12y+512=0 \frac{1}{4}y+\frac{1}{2}y+5-12=0

y=? y=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to isolate the unknown Y
00:08 Let's group terms
00:19 Multiply by the denominator to eliminate the fraction
00:33 Simplify as much as possible
00:38 Divide 4 by 2
00:47 Arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown Y
00:54 Isolate the unknown Y
01:02 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

14y+12y+512=0 \frac{1}{4}y+\frac{1}{2}y+5-12=0

y=? y=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given linear equation, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Combine the terms involving y y .
  • Step 2: Simplify the constants on the right side of the equation.
  • Step 3: Isolate y y to find its value.

Let’s solve the equation 14y+12y+512=0 \frac{1}{4}y + \frac{1}{2}y + 5 - 12 = 0 .

Step 1: Combine the like terms that involve y y .
The coefficients of y y are 14 \frac{1}{4} and 12 \frac{1}{2} . To combine them, we need a common denominator, which is 4. Therefore:

14y+12y=14y+24y=34y \frac{1}{4}y + \frac{1}{2}y = \frac{1}{4}y + \frac{2}{4}y = \frac{3}{4}y .

Step 2: Simplify the constants.
The equation now becomes 34y+512=0 \frac{3}{4}y + 5 - 12 = 0 .
Combine the constants: 512=7 5 - 12 = -7 .

The equation simplifies to 34y7=0 \frac{3}{4}y - 7 = 0 .

Step 3: Isolate y y .
Add 7 to both sides of the equation:
34y=7 \frac{3}{4}y = 7 .

To solve for y y , multiply both sides by the reciprocal of 34 \frac{3}{4} , which is 43 \frac{4}{3} :

y=7×43=283 y = 7 \times \frac{4}{3} = \frac{28}{3} .

Convert the fraction to a mixed number: 283=93+1=9 remainder 1 \frac{28}{3} = 9 \cdot 3 + 1 = 9 \text{ remainder } 1. Thus, 283=913 \frac{28}{3} = 9\frac{1}{3} .

Therefore, the value of y y is 913 9\frac{1}{3} .

3

Final Answer

913 9\frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Fractions: Find common denominator before adding fractional coefficients
  • Technique: Convert 12y \frac{1}{2}y to 24y \frac{2}{4}y when combining with 14y \frac{1}{4}y
  • Check: Substitute 913 9\frac{1}{3} back: 34×2837=0 \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{28}{3} - 7 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractional coefficients without finding common denominator
    Don't add 14+12=26 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{6} = wrong coefficient! This gives incorrect results when solving. Always find LCD first: 14+24=34 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{4} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( 3x=18 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to 24 \frac{2}{4} ?

+

You need a common denominator to add fractions! Since 14 \frac{1}{4} already has denominator 4, convert 12=24 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} so you can add: 14+24=34 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{4} .

How do I multiply by the reciprocal of 34 \frac{3}{4} ?

+

The reciprocal of 34 \frac{3}{4} is 43 \frac{4}{3} - just flip the fraction! Then multiply: 7×43=283 7 \times \frac{4}{3} = \frac{28}{3} .

Why is the answer a mixed number?

+

Mixed numbers like 913 9\frac{1}{3} are often easier to understand than improper fractions like 283 \frac{28}{3} . Both forms are correct - choose whichever the problem asks for!

What if I forget to combine like terms first?

+

You'll get a more complicated equation to solve! Always combine like terms early: 14y+12y=34y \frac{1}{4}y + \frac{1}{2}y = \frac{3}{4}y makes the rest much easier.

How do I check my answer with a mixed number?

+

Convert back to improper fraction first: 913=283 9\frac{1}{3} = \frac{28}{3} . Then substitute into the original equation and verify both sides equal zero.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Linear Equations (One Variable) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations