Solve the Fraction Equation: Find X in 1/2(x+3) - 8x = 3

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractional Terms

Solve for X:

12(x+3)8x=3 \frac{1}{2}(x+3)-8x=3

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solution
00:04 Open brackets properly, multiply by each factor
00:15 Arrange the equation so that only the unknown X is on one side
00:28 Collect like terms
00:33 Multiply by the reciprocal to isolate X
00:43 Simplify what we can
00:49 Factor 15 into 5 and 3
00:54 Simplify what we can, and substitute
01:00 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:

12(x+3)8x=3 \frac{1}{2}(x+3)-8x=3

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the given equation 12(x+3)8x=3 \frac{1}{2}(x+3) - 8x = 3 .

First, distribute the 12\frac{1}{2} inside the parentheses:
12(x+3)=12x+12×3=12x+32 \frac{1}{2}(x+3) = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{1}{2} \times 3 = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{3}{2} .

Substitute back into the original equation:
12x+328x=3 \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{3}{2} - 8x = 3 .

To eliminate the fraction, multiply every term by 2 to simplify:
2×(12x+32)2×8x=2×3 2 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}x + \frac{3}{2}\right) - 2 \times 8x = 2 \times 3 .

After clearing the fraction, the equation becomes:
x+316x=6 x + 3 - 16x = 6 .

Combine like terms involving x x :
x16x+3=6 x - 16x + 3 = 6 simplifies to 15x+3=6 -15x + 3 = 6 .

Isolate x x by subtracting 3 from both sides:
15x=63 -15x = 6 - 3 .
This simplifies to 15x=3 -15x = 3 .

Finally, divide both sides by 15-15 to solve for x x :
x=315 x = \frac{3}{-15} ,
which simplifies to x=15 x = -\frac{1}{5} .

Therefore, the solution to the equation 12(x+3)8x=3 \frac{1}{2}(x+3) - 8x = 3 is x=15 x = -\frac{1}{5} .

3

Final Answer

15 -\frac{1}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution Rule: Multiply fraction through parentheses: 12(x+3)=12x+32 \frac{1}{2}(x+3) = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{3}{2}
  • Clear Fractions: Multiply all terms by 2: x+316x=6 x + 3 - 16x = 6
  • Verification: Substitute x=15 x = -\frac{1}{5} back into original equation equals 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not distributing the fraction correctly
    Don't just multiply 12×x \frac{1}{2} \times x and forget the 3 = missing 32 \frac{3}{2} term! This changes the entire equation and leads to wrong solutions. Always distribute the fraction to every term inside parentheses: 12(x+3)=12x+32 \frac{1}{2}(x+3) = \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{3}{2} .

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 everything by 2 instead of working with fractions?

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Multiplying by 2 eliminates all fractions at once, making the equation much easier to solve! Working with x+316x=6 x + 3 - 16x = 6 is simpler than 12x+328x=3 \frac{1}{2}x + \frac{3}{2} - 8x = 3 .

How do I know which number to multiply by?

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Look for the denominators in your fractions. Since we only have 12 \frac{1}{2} and 32 \frac{3}{2} , multiply everything by 2 to clear all fractions.

What if I get confused combining like terms?

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Write out each step clearly: x16x=15x x - 16x = -15x . Think of it as 1 apple minus 16 apples equals -15 apples. Always collect x-terms separately from constants.

Why is my answer a negative fraction?

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Negative answers are completely normal! When you divide a positive number by a negative number, you get a negative result. 315=15 \frac{3}{-15} = -\frac{1}{5} after simplification.

How can I check if -1/5 is really correct?

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Substitute back: 12(15+3)8(15) \frac{1}{2}(-\frac{1}{5}+3) - 8(-\frac{1}{5}) . This gives 12×145+85=75+85=155=3 \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{14}{5} + \frac{8}{5} = \frac{7}{5} + \frac{8}{5} = \frac{15}{5} = 3

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