How do you solve #x-3/4=1/2# by clearing the fractions?

Question

4442 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1 · 2017-03-06T18:10:15

See the entire solution process below: #x = 7/4#

First, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to clear the fractions while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(4)(x - 3/4) = color(red)(4) xx 1/2#

#(color(red)(4) xx x) - (color(red)(4) xx 3/4) = 2#

#4x - 3 = 2#

Next, add #color(red)(3)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#4x - 3 +color(red)(3) = 2 + color(red)(3)#

#4x - 0 = 5#

#4x = 5#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(4x)/color(red)(4) = 5/color(red)(4)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4)))x)/cancel(color(red)(4)) = 5/4#

#x = 5/4#