Solve the Fraction Equation: Determining X in 36 - 18/20x + 5/10x = 23 + 15 - 1/5x

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractional Terms

Solve for X:

361820x+510x=23+1515x 36-\frac{18}{20}x+\frac{5}{10}x=23+15-\frac{1}{5}x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:05 Arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:47 Factor 18 into 2 and 9
00:52 Factor 20 into 2 and 10
01:02 Group terms
01:05 Reduce what's possible
01:08 Multiply by the common denominator
01:29 Group terms
01:32 Isolate X
01:39 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:

361820x+510x=23+1515x 36-\frac{18}{20}x+\frac{5}{10}x=23+15-\frac{1}{5}x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 361820x+510x=23+1515x 36 - \frac{18}{20}x + \frac{5}{10}x = 23 + 15 - \frac{1}{5}x , we will follow these steps:

  • Simplify the fractional coefficients for x x .
  • Combine like terms on both sides of the equation.
  • Isolate the terms involving x x on one side and constants on the other side.
  • Solve for x x .

Let's proceed with these steps:

Step 1: Simplify the fractional coefficients.
- 1820\frac{18}{20} simplifies to 910\frac{9}{10}.
- 510\frac{5}{10} simplifies to 12\frac{1}{2}.
- 15\frac{1}{5} is already simplified.

Step 2: Rewrite the original equation using these simplifications:
36910x+12x=23+1515x 36 - \frac{9}{10}x + \frac{1}{2}x = 23 + 15 - \frac{1}{5}x .

Step 3: Combine the constants and terms involving x x .
On the left side, combine 910x -\frac{9}{10}x and +12x +\frac{1}{2}x :
- Convert 12\frac{1}{2} to a denominator of 10: 12=510\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{10}.
- Thus, 910x+510x=410x=25x-\frac{9}{10}x + \frac{5}{10}x = -\frac{4}{10}x = -\frac{2}{5}x.

The equation becomes:
3625x=3815x 36 - \frac{2}{5}x = 38 - \frac{1}{5}x .

Step 4: Move all terms involving x x to one side of the equation:
Add 15x\frac{1}{5}x to both sides:
3625x+15x=38 36 - \frac{2}{5}x + \frac{1}{5}x = 38 .
This simplifies to:
3615x=38 36 - \frac{1}{5}x = 38 .

Step 5: Isolate 15x -\frac{1}{5}x :
Subtract 36 from both sides:
15x=2 -\frac{1}{5}x = 2 .

Step 6: Solve for x x by multiplying both sides by 5-5:
x=10 x = -10 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=10 x = -10 .

3

Final Answer

10 -10

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplify first: Convert all fractions to lowest terms before combining
  • Technique: Combine like terms: 910x+510x=410x -\frac{9}{10}x + \frac{5}{10}x = -\frac{4}{10}x
  • Check: Substitute x = -10: both sides equal 38 when verified ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not simplifying fractions before combining terms
    Don't work with 1820 \frac{18}{20} and 510 \frac{5}{10} unsimplified = confusing calculations! This makes combining like terms much harder and increases error chances. Always reduce fractions to lowest terms first: 1820=910 \frac{18}{20} = \frac{9}{10} and 510=12 \frac{5}{10} = \frac{1}{2} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( x - 3 + 5 = 8 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I combine fractions with different denominators?

+

Find a common denominator first! For 910x+12x -\frac{9}{10}x + \frac{1}{2}x , convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to 510 \frac{5}{10} , then combine: 910+510=410=25 -\frac{9}{10} + \frac{5}{10} = -\frac{4}{10} = -\frac{2}{5} .

Why do I get a negative answer?

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Negative solutions are completely normal! When you have 15x=2 -\frac{1}{5}x = 2 , multiplying both sides by -5 gives x=10 x = -10 . Don't worry - just verify it works!

Should I clear fractions by multiplying by LCD?

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You could, but it's often easier to simplify fractions first and work with them directly. For this problem, the fractions are manageable once simplified.

How do I check if x = -10 is correct?

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Substitute back into the original equation:

  • Left side: 361820(10)+510(10)=36+95=40 36 - \frac{18}{20}(-10) + \frac{5}{10}(-10) = 36 + 9 - 5 = 40
  • Right side: 23+1515(10)=38+2=40 23 + 15 - \frac{1}{5}(-10) = 38 + 2 = 40

Both sides equal 40, so the answer is correct!

What if I made an error combining the constants?

+

Always double-check your arithmetic! On the right side: 23+15=38 23 + 15 = 38 , not 37 or 39. Simple addition errors can throw off your entire solution.

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