Question

How do you solve `\frac { 3x } { 8} + \frac { 3x } { 4} = 9`?

Answer 1

`x = 8`

Explanation:

First, eliminate the fractions. You can do this by multiplying each side of the equation by a common denominator (in this case 8) which will also keep the equations balanced:

`color(red)(8)((3x)/8 + (3x)/4) = color(red)(8)*9`

`8*(3x)/8 + 8*(3x)/4 = 72`

`3x + (2*3x) = 72`

`3x + 6x = 72`

Now, combine like terms:

`(3 + 6)x = 72`

`9x = 72`

Finally, solve for `x` while keeping the equations balanced:

`(9x)/color(red)(9) = 72/color(red)(9)`

`x = 8`