How to 1/4x + 2/9 - 14 = 100

[kyphysics]

Homework Statement

Solve equation for x above.

Homework Equations

See title.

The Attempt at a Solution

Step 1: add 14 to both sides

1/4x + 2/9 = 114

Step 2: This is where my memory is a bit fuzzy.

I know we can obtain like bases between 1/4x and 2/9, but that wouldn't seem super helpful, because they aren't like terms is that correct? I figured 1/4 and 2/9 would be like terms, but 1/4x and 2/9 aren't and cannot be combined.

If that's the case, then it seems I'd have to deal with each fraction in both terms separately and one-by-one.

I chose to "get rid" of the 2/9 fraction first by multiplying it by 9/1 (as well as ever other term on both sides by the same 9/1) and got:

9/4x + 2 = 1026

Step 3: Subtract 2 from both sides

9/4x = 1024

Step 4: Get rid of fraction by multiplying both sides by 4/1 and this yields:

9x = 4096

Step 5: Divide both sides by 9 to isolate the x and get:

x = 455.11111111...

Not 100% sure I did this correctly. And wondering also if there was a different or easier way?

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

You're main object is to get $x$ by itself. Regarding step #2, you can treat $\frac{2}{9}$ the same way you treated $-14$. They are like terms, after all.

 

[Mastermind01]

Is your equation \frac{1}{4x} or \frac{x}{4} ? If it's the former then you have done it incorrectly

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Is your equation \frac{1}{4x} or \frac{x}{4} ? If it's the former then you have done it incorrectly

I believe that he was implying the former.

 

[Mastermind01]

I believe that he was implying the former.

Then his last step his wrong , if he multiplies both sides by 4/1 he would get \frac{9}{x} = 4096 . Not the other way.

 

[kyphysics]

Is your equation \frac{1}{4x} or \frac{x}{4} ? If it's the former then you have done it incorrectly

Hi, Mastermind

1/4 is a coefficient of x. Apologies, b/c I don't know how to use the symbols stuff here yet. So, the x is NOT in the denominator of the first fraction.

 

[ProfuselyQuarky]

Hi, Mastermind

1/4 is a coefficient of x. Apologies, b/c I don't know how to use the symbols stuff here yet. So, the x is NOT in the denominator of the first fraction.

In that case, I believe that you're correct.

 

[Mastermind01]

Hi, Mastermind

1/4 is a coefficient of x. Apologies, b/c I don't know how to use the symbols stuff here yet. So, the x is NOT in the denominator of the first fraction.

Right. You have done it correctly then.

P.S : Here's a guide to Latex which implements the math symbols here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/introducing-latex-math-typesetting.8997/ This will help avoid future confusion.

 

[kyphysics]

Right. You have done it correctly then.

P.S : Here's a guide to Latex which implements the math symbols here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/introducing-latex-math-typesetting.8997/ This will help avoid future confusion.

Oh, good to know I'm correct. Very rusty with certain topics that I'm trying to plug leaks in this summer.

I am aware of LaTex, but haven't had time to really delve into learning it yet. I want to do so this summer though! I believe it will help me tremendously next year.

 

[Mastermind01]

Oh, good to know I'm correct. Very rusty with certain topics that I'm trying to plug leaks in this summer.

I am aware of LaTex, but haven't had time to really delve into learning it yet. I want to do so this summer though! I believe it will help me tremendously next year.

Good luck then!

 

[kyphysics]

Then his last step his wrong , if he multiplies both sides by 4/1 he would get \frac{9}{x} = 4096 . Not the other way.

Wait!

Did you mean my last step was wrong even IF I meant 1/4 as the coefficient of x, instead of x being in the denominator?

The two options you presented earlier weren't what I had meant. So just double checking one last time! Thanks again!

 

[Mastermind01]

Wait!

Did you mean my last step was wrong even IF I meant 1/4 as the coefficient of x, instead of x being in the denominator?

The two options you presented earlier weren't what I had meant. So just double checking one last time! Thanks again!

No worries. Your last step is wrong only if x is in the denominator. Else it's correct.

 

[kyphysics]

gotcha, thx

 

[SammyS]

Hi, Mastermind

1/4 is a coefficient of x. Apologies, b/c I don't know how to use the symbols stuff here yet. So, the x is NOT in the denominator of the first fraction.

Then use parentheses to remove all doubt.

What you wrote, 1/4x , literally means (1/4)x and is what you intended. However, if you include the parentheses, you remove all doubt regarding what you intended.