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?

\( 18x \)

\( 2+9x \)

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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