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

1. Jun 20, 2016

### kyphysics

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Solve equation for x above.

2. Relevant equations
See title.

3. 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?

2. Jun 20, 2016

### 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.

3. Jun 20, 2016

### Mastermind01

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

4. Jun 20, 2016

### ProfuselyQuarky

I believe that he was implying the former.

5. Jun 20, 2016

### Mastermind01

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.

6. Jun 20, 2016

### kyphysics

Hi, Mastermind

1/4 is a coefficent 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.

7. Jun 20, 2016

### ProfuselyQuarky

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

8. Jun 20, 2016

### Mastermind01

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.

9. Jun 20, 2016

### kyphysics

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.

10. Jun 20, 2016

### Mastermind01

Good luck then!

11. Jun 20, 2016

### kyphysics

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!

12. Jun 20, 2016

### Mastermind01

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

13. Jun 20, 2016

### kyphysics

gotcha, thx

14. Jun 20, 2016

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
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.