Fraction Question: How to Solve 1/6(3/4x-2)=-1/5?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation 1/6(3/4x-2)=-1/5. Participants explore various methods for isolating x, including multiplying by the least common multiple to eliminate fractions and distributing terms. The conversation includes different approaches to manipulating the equation and clarifying steps in the solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest multiplying both sides by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators to simplify the equation.
  • Others propose distributing terms after multiplying, leading to expressions like 5(3/4x-2) and discussing how to combine like terms.
  • There is mention of flipping fractions to multiply, with some participants questioning the validity of isolating terms directly without distribution.
  • A few participants arrive at the solution x=16/15, while others express uncertainty about isolating x due to its entanglement in parentheses.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of writing out each step clearly to avoid confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single method for solving the equation, as participants present multiple approaches and express varying levels of understanding regarding the steps involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the mathematical steps or assumptions involved in their proposed methods, leading to some ambiguity in the discussion.

OMGMathPLS
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1/6(3/4x-2)=-1/5

The answer is 16/15

So to get that you multiply by reciprocal, right?

So you take the -1/5 and make it a 1 by fliping it over to -5/1.

Then you do to the other side the -5/1 and so that's -5/6(3/4x-2)=1

and then there's a -2 so you +2 it and do it to the other side so that's

-5/6(3/4x)=3

And then do you multiply the fractions by flipping one or do you move the x?
 
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We are given:

$$\frac{1}{6}\left(\frac{3}{4}x-2\right)=-\frac{1}{5}$$

The first thing I would do here is multiply by LCM(5,6) = 30 to get rid of the denominators of 5 and 6:

$$30\cdot\frac{1}{6}\left(\frac{3}{4}x-2\right)=30\left(-\frac{1}{5}\right)$$

$$5\left(\frac{3}{4}x-2\right)=-6$$

Now, distribute the 5 on the left side...what do you get?
 
$\frac{1}{6}(\frac{3}{4}x-2)=-\frac{1}{5}$

$\frac{3}{4}x-2=-\frac{1}{5}*6$ (you flip the 1/6 and multiply)

$\frac{3}{4}x-2=-\frac{6}{5}$

$\frac{3}{4}x=-\frac{6}{5}+\frac{10}{5}$ (10/5 is equal to 2 you just want common denominators so you can easily add)

$\frac{3}{4}x=\frac{4}{5}$

$x=\frac{4}{5}* \frac{4}{3}$

$x=\frac{16}{15}$
 
If you distribute it on the left side

you get

5/1 (3/4x-2)

so you just multiply the fractions across

15/4 and -10/1 so -10

so it's 15/4x and -10
 
OMGMathPLS said:
1/6(3/4x-2)=-1/5

The answer is 16/15

So to get that you multiply by reciprocal, right?

So you take the -1/5 and make it a 1 by fliping it over to -5/1.

Then you do to the other side the -5/1 and so that's -5/6(3/4x-2)=1

and then there's a -2 so you +2 it and do it to the other side so that's

-5/6(3/4x)=3

And then do you multiply the fractions by flipping one or do you move the x?

you cannot just pull out the -2 from the parenthesis and add it to the other side. you would first have to distribute the -5/6. what you want to do is isolate the x to solve for so try moving this from the left side of the equation (where the x is) to the other side.
 
OMGMathPLS said:
If you distribute it on the left side

you get

5/1 (3/4x-2)

so you just multiply the fractions across

15/4 and -10/1 so -10

so it's 15/4x and -10

Correct, so you have:

$$\frac{15}{4}x-10=-6$$

So add $10$ to both sides, then multiply through by $$\frac{4}{15}$$...what do you get?
 
you have 15/4x = 4

- - - Updated - - -

I don't know how you would isolate the x because it's really entangled in the ()
 
Last edited by a moderator:
OMGMathPLS said:
you have 15/4x = 4

Correct, now multiply both sides by $$\frac{4}{15}$$...:D
 
Oh ok.

15/4(4/15)x = 4

x = 4/1 * 15/4

so that's x =60/4
 
  • #10
OMGMathPLS said:
Oh ok.

15/4(4/15)x = 4

x = 4/1 * 15/4

so that's x =60/4

No, we have:

$$\frac{15}{4}x=4$$

Multiply through by $$\frac{4}{15}$$:

$$\frac{\cancel{4}}{\cancel{15}}\cdot\frac{\cancel{15}}{\cancel{4}}x=\frac{4}{15}\cdot\frac{4}{1}$$

$$x=\frac{16}{15}$$
 
  • #11
ok. makes sense. thank you!

I guess it helps to write it out fully.
 

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