What is a Common Denominator for Multiplying Fractions?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter skyie1
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving equations and simplifying expressions involving fractions, specifically focusing on the concept of common denominators in the context of multiplying fractions. Participants address both a specific problem involving equations and a separate issue concerning the multiplication of fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a system of equations to solve for x and y, seeking guidance on methods such as substitution and graphical representation.
  • Another participant explains that the first equation indicates a relationship between x and y, allowing for substitution in the second equation.
  • A separate participant asks for help with a multiplication expression involving fractions, specifically in finding a common denominator.
  • It is clarified that a common denominator is not necessary for multiplying fractions, as opposed to adding or subtracting them.
  • Further elaboration is provided on simplifying the multiplication of fractions, including identifying relationships between numerators and denominators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between equations and expressions, as well as the method for multiplying fractions without needing a common denominator. However, there is no consensus on the specific approach to solving the initial system of equations presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of correctly identifying expressions versus equations, and there is an emphasis on understanding the operations involved in manipulating fractions. The discussion does not resolve all aspects of the initial equation-solving problem.

skyie1
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I know next to nothing about this stuff, and have a problem that is due Monday... I have signed up with a tutor, but not able to begin studies until Thursday...
Anyway, my problem is as follows:
y=3x-4
5x+y=3

We are to solve for x and y using addition, subtraction and subsitution, and then graphicly, min of three points...

I would be thankful for any help... Skyie :confused:
 
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Welcome to PF!
"x" and "y" are some two numbers, right?
(You don't know at the moment their values)
So, the first equation says:
y=3x-4
This means, that whatever values "x" and "y" have we have been told that "y" is equally big as 3 times x minus 4 (right?)
So, whenever we meet "y" (for example in your second equation), we might substitute 3x-4 for "y" (that expression has, by our first equation, the same value as "y")
Does this help you?
 
Hello I am hoping someone can help. My daughter has an equation she does not understand and I am unable to help her.

-5/8 x 16/21 x (-7/15)

I cannot seem to figure out what the common denominator would be for her to be able to work her way through this

Can anyone help?
 
Hi, sdmcam :welcome to PF!
(Just a note: Please don't hijack another person's yhread in the future, post your own :smile:)

Now, as far as I can tell, you've gor an expression here which you want to simplify?
Is the "x" a multiplication sign?
 
sdmcam said:
Hello I am hoping someone can help. My daughter has an equation she does not understand and I am unable to help her.

-5/8 x 16/21 x (-7/15)

I cannot seem to figure out what the common denominator would be for her to be able to work her way through this

Can anyone help?

First, this is not an equation, it is an "expression" (it's not an equation because it's not equal to anything).

Secondly, multiplying fractions, you don't need to find a "common denominator"- that's used in adding or subtracting fractions.

[tex]\frac{-5}{8}\frac{16}{21}\frac{-7}{15}[/tex]

Notice that one fraction has 8 in the denominator and another has 16 in the numerator: 16/8= 2. One fraction has 5 in the numerator and the other has 15 in the denominator: 5/15= 1/3. One fraction has 21 in the denominator and another has 7 in the numerator: 7/21= 1/3. Finally, (-)(-)= +.

This is the same as
[tex]\frac{2}{(3)(3)}= \frac{2}{9}[/tex].
 

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