Solve Equations with Fractions or Decimals: example 2.50

Solve: $a + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{8} a - \frac{1}{2}$ .

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.

Solve: $x + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{6} x - \frac{1}{2}$ .

How did it go?


Find the LCD of all fractions in the equation. The LCD is 8.
Multiply both sides by the LCD.
Distribute.
Simplify—no more fractions.
Subtract $3 a$ from both sides.
Simplify.
Subtract 6 from both sides.
Simplify.
Divide by 5.
Simplify.
Check:
Let $a = −2$ .


Find the LCD of all fractions in the equation. The LCD is 8.
Multiply both sides by the LCD.
Distribute.
Simplify—no more fractions.
Subtract $3 a$ from both sides.
Simplify.
Subtract 6 from both sides.
Simplify.
Divide by 5.
Simplify.
Check:
Let $a = −2$ .