Solve Equations with Fraction or Decimal Coefficients: example 8.41

Solve: $\frac{1}{2} (y - 5) = \frac{1}{4} (y - 1) .$

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: $\frac{1}{5} (n + 3) = \frac{1}{4} (n + 2) .$

How did it go?


Distribute.
Simplify.
Multiply by the LCD, 4.
Distribute.
Simplify.
Collect the $y$ terms to the left.
Simplify.
Collect the constants to the right.
Simplify.
Check: Substitute $9$ for $y .$


Distribute.
Simplify.
Multiply by the LCD, 4.
Distribute.
Simplify.
Collect the $y$ terms to the left.
Simplify.
Collect the constants to the right.
Simplify.
Check: Substitute $9$ for $y .$