How Do You Algebraically Move a Numerator to the Other Side of an Equation?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around algebraic manipulation of equations, specifically focusing on how to isolate a variable in a fraction. Participants explore methods to move a numerator across an equation while addressing the underlying algebraic properties involved. The context includes both theoretical understanding and practical application in solving equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula and asks how to move the numerator from one side of the equation to the other, seeking clarification on the algebraic property that allows this.
  • Another participant suggests multiplying both numerators by 2, but this is questioned by others who seek to remove the fraction instead.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the approach and mentions that 1/Hi is equivalent to H^-1, indicating a possible misunderstanding of the problem.
  • Further clarification is provided by a participant who explains that to eliminate the fraction, one should multiply both sides of the equation by the denominators, leading to a simplified equation.
  • Another participant outlines basic rules of fractions and demonstrates how to manipulate the equation to isolate the variable, emphasizing the need to cancel common factors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to isolate the variable. There are competing views on how to approach the problem, with some advocating for direct multiplication and others emphasizing the need to eliminate fractions first.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their approaches and the clarity of the problem statement. There are unresolved assumptions regarding the manipulation of fractions and the interpretation of algebraic properties.

Quantum Joe
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I have a formula

Ho / Hi = -So / Si

The question is if I have this:

0.5/Hi = 2.0/8.0

how do I move the 0.5 numerator to the other side of the equation? What is the algebraic property that describes this? I realize this is a simple question but isn't it always the simple ones that get you?
 
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Multiply both numerators by 2. This gives you

1.0/Hi = 4.0/8.0

That should do it.
 
I don't see how that solves the problem.. I need remove the fraction on the left side and keep only Hi. Maybe I am approaching this wrong, if so could someone explain why? I know that 1/Hi is the same as H^-1.
 
I think this belongs in homework help. I will post it there.
 
Quantum Joe said:
I have a formula

Ho / Hi = -So / Si

The question is if I have this:

0.5/Hi = 2.0/8.0

how do I move the 0.5 numerator to the other side of the equation? What is the algebraic property that describes this? I realize this is a simple question but isn't it always the simple ones that get you?

Quantum Joe said:
I don't see how that solves the problem.. I need remove the fraction on the left side and keep only Hi. Maybe I am approaching this wrong, if so could someone explain why? I know that 1/Hi is the same as H^-1.
Then you should have said that to begin with and not just "move the 0.5 numerator to the other side of the equation". In fact, it isn't the numerator that is the problem. To get rid of the fractions multiply both sides of the equations by the denominators:
\frac{0.5}{H_i}(8.0H_i)= \frac{2.0}{8.0}(8.0H_i)
On the left the "Hi" terms cancel and on the right the "8.0" terms cancel:
(0.5)(8.0)= 2.0Hi or 4.0= 2.0Hi.
 
Use these basic rules of fractions:

Given any numbers (denominator \neq 0) ~ \frac{a}{b} * \frac{x}{y} = \frac{ax}{by}

If there are common factors in both the numerator and denominator, you can cancel them out ~
\frac{a}{b} * \frac{x}{a} = \frac{ax}{ba} = \frac{x}{b}

So, \frac{H_o}{H_1}=\frac{-S_o}{S_1}

If you try to make H1 the subject of the equation, it needs to come out of the denominator.
So, to cancel it from the denominator, multiply both sides by H1

\frac{H_o}{H_1}*\frac{H_1}{1}=\frac{-S_o}{S_1}*\frac{H_1}{1}

Simplifying:

\frac{H_o}{1}=\frac{-S_o * H_1}{S_1}

Now that H1 is in the numerator, simply divide/multiply both sides of the equation by the required variable so as to cancel out those variables on the same side as H1:
Multiplying by S1 and dividing by -So

\frac{H_o}{1}*\frac{S_1}{-S_o}=\frac{-S_o * H_1}{S_1}*\frac{S_1}{-S_o}

Simplifying by cancelling common factors in numerator and denominator:

\frac{H_o*S_1}{-S_o}=H_1
 

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