Solve the Linear Equation Involving Fractions: Finding X in 6x - 36/80 + 15x = -8x + 19/20

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractional Terms

Solve for X:


6x3680+15x=8x+1920 6x-\frac{36}{80}+15x=-8x+\frac{19}{20}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:10 Let's find the value of X.
00:13 First, we group the factors together.
00:18 Decompose 36 into two factors, 9 and 4.
00:23 Now, let's break 80 into factors, 20 and 4.
00:35 Next, simplify whatever is possible.
00:45 Arrange the equation to get X alone on one side.
01:04 Group the factors once more.
01:19 Decompose 28 into 7 and 4.
01:23 Decompose 20 into 5 and 4.
01:26 Simplify again if you can.
01:29 Isolate X to solve for it.
01:43 Rewrite division as multiplying by the reciprocal.
01:47 Ensure you multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator.
01:54 And that's how we find the solution to our question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:


6x3680+15x=8x+1920 6x-\frac{36}{80}+15x=-8x+\frac{19}{20}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve for x x in the equation 6x3680+15x=8x+1920 6x - \frac{36}{80} + 15x = -8x + \frac{19}{20} .

  • Step 1: Simplify the equation by combining like terms on the left side. We have: 6x+15x3680=8x+1920 6x + 15x - \frac{36}{80} = -8x + \frac{19}{20} This becomes: 21x3680=8x+1920 21x - \frac{36}{80} = -8x + \frac{19}{20}
  • Step 2: Simplify 3680\frac{36}{80} to its simplest form. The greatest common divisor of 36 and 80 is 4: 3680=920 \frac{36}{80} = \frac{9}{20} Thus, the equation is now: 21x920=8x+1920 21x - \frac{9}{20} = -8x + \frac{19}{20}
  • Step 3: To eliminate fractions, multiply the entire equation by 20, the least common denominator, to clear the fractions: 20(21x)20(920)=20(8x)+20(1920) 20(21x) - 20 \left(\frac{9}{20}\right) = 20(-8x) + 20 \left(\frac{19}{20}\right) Simplifying gives: 420x9=160x+19 420x - 9 = -160x + 19
  • Step 4: Combine like terms by adding 160x160x to both sides to collect xx terms on one side: 420x+160x9=19 420x + 160x - 9 = 19 This simplifies to: 580x9=19 580x - 9 = 19
  • Step 5: Isolate xx by adding 9 to both sides: 580x=28 580x = 28
  • Step 6: Divide both sides by 580 to solve for xx: x=28580 x = \frac{28}{580} Which simplifies to: x=7145 x = \frac{7}{145}

Thus, the solution to 6x3680+15x=8x+1920 6x-\frac{36}{80}+15x=-8x+\frac{19}{20} is x=7145 x = \frac{7}{145} .

3

Final Answer

7145 \frac{7}{145}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combine Like Terms: Group all x terms and all constant terms separately
  • Clear Fractions: Multiply entire equation by LCD 20: 20(21x - 9/20) = 20(-8x + 19/20)
  • Verify Solution: Substitute x = 7/145 back into original equation to confirm both sides equal ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply every term by the LCD
    Don't multiply only the fraction terms by 20 and leave the x terms unchanged = wrong equation! This creates an imbalanced equation where sides aren't equivalent. Always multiply every single term on both sides by the LCD to maintain equality.

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 36/80 before solving?

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Simplifying fractions first makes calculations easier! 3680=920 \frac{36}{80} = \frac{9}{20} is much simpler to work with than the original fraction.

Can I solve this without clearing fractions?

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Yes, but it's much harder! You'd have to work with fractions throughout. Clearing fractions by multiplying by the LCD makes the algebra much cleaner and reduces errors.

How do I find the LCD of 80 and 20?

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Look for the smallest number both denominators divide into. Since 80 = 4 × 20, the LCD is 80. But after simplifying 3680 \frac{36}{80} to 920 \frac{9}{20} , the LCD becomes 20.

Why is my final answer a fraction?

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Linear equations often have fractional solutions! x=7145 x = \frac{7}{145} is the exact answer. Always check if your fraction can be simplified further.

How can I check if 7/145 is in simplest form?

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Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 7 and 145. Since 7 is prime and doesn't divide 145, the GCD is 1, so 7145 \frac{7}{145} is already simplified.

What if I get different denominators when combining fractions?

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Always convert to a common denominator first! In this problem, we converted everything to twentieths: 920 \frac{9}{20} and 1920 \frac{19}{20} before proceeding.

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