Solve the Mixed Number Equation: Finding the Value When x - 4⅐ = 1⅗

Mixed Number Addition with Algebraic Equations

?417=137 ?-4\frac{1}{7}=1\frac{3}{7}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the unknown
00:04 Arrange the equation so the unknown is on one side
00:26 Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions
01:03 Add using common denominator
01:14 Now convert to mixed fraction
01:21 Break down 39 into 35 plus 4
01:28 Break down into whole number and remainder
01:32 Convert proper fraction to whole number, and add to mixed fraction
01:42 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

?417=137 ?-4\frac{1}{7}=1\frac{3}{7}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions.
  • Step 2: Rearrange the equation to solve for the unknown variable.
  • Step 3: Perform addition and convert back to a mixed fraction if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Convert 4174\frac{1}{7} and 1371\frac{3}{7} to improper fractions.
- 4174\frac{1}{7} becomes 297\frac{29}{7} because 4×7+1=294 \times 7 + 1 = 29.
- 1371\frac{3}{7} becomes 107\frac{10}{7} because 1×7+3=101 \times 7 + 3 = 10.

Step 2: The equation is x297=107x - \frac{29}{7} = \frac{10}{7}. Rearranging gives us x=297+107x = \frac{29}{7} + \frac{10}{7}.

Step 3: Perform the addition:
- Adding the improper fractions gives 297+107=397\frac{29}{7} + \frac{10}{7} = \frac{39}{7}.

Step 4: Convert 397\frac{39}{7} back to a mixed fraction:
- Divide 3939 by 77, which gives 55 with a remainder of 44.
- So, 397\frac{39}{7} is equivalent to 5475\frac{4}{7}.

Therefore, the number we are looking for is 5475\frac{4}{7}.

3

Final Answer

547 5\frac{4}{7}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Equation Solving: Add the same value to both sides to isolate variable
  • Technique: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions: 417=2974\frac{1}{7} = \frac{29}{7}
  • Check: Substitute 547417=1375\frac{4}{7} - 4\frac{1}{7} = 1\frac{3}{7}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting instead of adding to isolate the variable
    Don't subtract 1371\frac{3}{7} from both sides = negative answer! This moves away from isolating the variable. Always add 4174\frac{1}{7} to both sides to get x alone.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 5:\frac{2}{5}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions?

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Mixed numbers are harder to add and subtract! Converting to improper fractions like 297\frac{29}{7} and 107\frac{10}{7} lets you work with the same denominators easily.

How do I know which operation to use to solve for the variable?

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Use the opposite operation of what's being done to the variable. Since 4174\frac{1}{7} is being subtracted from x, you need to add 4174\frac{1}{7} to both sides.

What if I forget how to convert improper fractions back to mixed numbers?

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Divide the numerator by the denominator! For 397\frac{39}{7}:

  • 39 ÷ 7 = 5 remainder 4
  • So it becomes 5475\frac{4}{7}

Can I work with mixed numbers directly without converting?

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It's much more challenging and error-prone. You'd need to separately add whole numbers and fractions, then possibly regroup. Converting to improper fractions first is the safer method.

How do I check if my answer is correct?

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Substitute your answer back into the original equation: 5474175\frac{4}{7} - 4\frac{1}{7}. The whole numbers: 5 - 4 = 1, and fractions: 4717=37\frac{4}{7} - \frac{1}{7} = \frac{3}{7}, giving 1371\frac{3}{7}

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