Solve: (x/8 + x/4 + x/4) + (31/8) + (y/8) Fraction Equation

Algebraic Simplification with Mixed Fractions

x8+318+x4+14x+y8=? \frac{x}{8}+\frac{31}{8}+\frac{x}{4}+\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{y}{8}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the expression
00:03 Mark the appropriate variables
00:06 Use the commutative law and arrange the appropriate variables together
00:26 Expand the fraction to find the common denominator
00:43 Group terms, combine with the common denominator
01:28 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

x8+318+x4+14x+y8=? \frac{x}{8}+\frac{31}{8}+\frac{x}{4}+\frac{1}{4}x+\frac{y}{8}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Make sure all terms have a common denominator.
  • Step 2: Combine like terms.
  • Step 3: Simplify the algebraic expression.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Convert all terms to have a common denominator. The common denominator for 4 and 8 is 8. Thus:
- x4 \frac{x}{4} becomes 2x8 \frac{2x}{8} when converted to have the denominator 8,
- 14x \frac{1}{4}x also becomes 2x8 \frac{2x}{8} when converted to 8.

Step 2: Combine the like terms.
- Combine the x x terms: x8+2x8+2x8=5x8 \frac{x}{8} + \frac{2x}{8} + \frac{2x}{8} = \frac{5x}{8} .
- The constant term: 318 \frac{31}{8} .
- The term with y y : y8 \frac{y}{8} .

Step 3: Write the final expression:

The simplified expression is 318+5x8+y8 \frac{31}{8} + \frac{5x}{8} + \frac{y}{8} .

Therefore, combining it we have 378+58x+y8 3\frac{7}{8}+\frac{5}{8}x+\frac{y}{8} . This matches the given choice 378+58x+y8 3\frac{7}{8}+\frac{5}{8}x+\frac{y}{8} .

Hence, the solution to the problem is 378+58x+y8 3\frac{7}{8}+\frac{5}{8}x+\frac{y}{8} .

3

Final Answer

378+58x+y8 3\frac{7}{8}+\frac{5}{8}x+\frac{y}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Convert all fractions to denominator 8 first
  • Technique: Combine like terms: x8+2x8+2x8=5x8 \frac{x}{8} + \frac{2x}{8} + \frac{2x}{8} = \frac{5x}{8}
  • Check: Verify each coefficient matches: x terms give 5x8 \frac{5x}{8} , constant is 318 \frac{31}{8}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding coefficients without common denominators
    Don't add x8+x4=2x12 \frac{x}{8} + \frac{x}{4} = \frac{2x}{12} ! This ignores different denominators and gives wrong coefficients. Always convert to common denominator first: x4=2x8 \frac{x}{4} = \frac{2x}{8} , then add.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Are the expressions the same or not?

\( 20x \)

\( 2\times10x \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert x4 \frac{x}{4} and 14x \frac{1}{4}x to eighths?

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Because you can only add fractions with the same denominator! Converting x4=2x8 \frac{x}{4} = \frac{2x}{8} lets you combine all x terms: x8+2x8+2x8=5x8 \frac{x}{8} + \frac{2x}{8} + \frac{2x}{8} = \frac{5x}{8} .

How do I convert 318 \frac{31}{8} to a mixed number?

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Divide 31 by 8: 31 ÷ 8 = 3 remainder 7. So 318=378 \frac{31}{8} = 3\frac{7}{8} . The whole number is the quotient, the remainder becomes the new numerator.

Are x4 \frac{x}{4} and 14x \frac{1}{4}x the same thing?

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Yes! Both expressions mean "x divided by 4" or "one-fourth of x". You can write fractions with variables in either form: x4=14x \frac{x}{4} = \frac{1}{4}x .

Why can't I combine the x and y terms?

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Because x and y are different variables! You can only combine like terms - terms with exactly the same variable. 5x8 \frac{5x}{8} and y8 \frac{y}{8} must stay separate.

What if I forget to convert some fractions to the common denominator?

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You'll get the wrong answer! Always check that every fraction has the same denominator before adding. Make a list: x8,2x8,2x8,318,y8 \frac{x}{8}, \frac{2x}{8}, \frac{2x}{8}, \frac{31}{8}, \frac{y}{8} - all have denominator 8.

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