Solve Equations using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality: example 2.24

Translate and solve: The sum of three-eighths and $x$ is one-half.

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Translate and solve: The sum of five-eighths and x is one-fourth.

How did it go?

Translate.
Subtract $\frac{3}{8}$ from each side.
Simplify and rewrite fractions with common denominators.
Simplify.
Check:		Is the sum of three-eighths and $x$ equal to one-half?
$Let x = \frac{1}{8} .$		Is the sum of three-eighths and one-eighth equal to one-half?
Translate.		$\frac{3}{8} + \frac{1}{8} \overset{?}{=} \frac{1}{2}$
Simplify.		$\frac{4}{8} \overset{?}{=} \frac{1}{2}$
Simplify.		$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2} ✓$

Translate.
Subtract $\frac{3}{8}$ from each side.
Simplify and rewrite fractions with common denominators.
Simplify.
Check:		Is the sum of three-eighths and $x$ equal to one-half?
$Let x = \frac{1}{8} .$		Is the sum of three-eighths and one-eighth equal to one-half?
Translate.		$\frac{3}{8} + \frac{1}{8} \overset{?}{=} \frac{1}{2}$
Simplify.		$\frac{4}{8} \overset{?}{=} \frac{1}{2}$
Simplify.		$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2} ✓$