Question

How do you solve `\frac { 3} { 8} = x + 2`?

Answer 1

`x=-13/8`

Explanation:

To solve for the variable `x`, subtract `2` from both sides:

`3/8-2=x`

To simplify the left side, we must first find the least common denominator (LCD) Note: `2` has a denominator of `1`

The LCD of `8` and `1` is `8`

We must then manipulate `2` so that it has a denominator of `8`. We can do this by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by `8`

`3/8-2(8/8)=x`

`3/8-16/8=x`

Finally, we simply subtract the fractions:

`-13/8=x`

Answer 2

Write it in standard form...

Explanation:

with `x` by itself on one side, and the value on the other.

So, starting with the original equation:

`3/8 = x + 2`,

subtract 2 from each side:

`3/8 - 2 = x`

...this is the answer, but your teacher would probably prefer that it be simplified.

...multiply the integer 2 on the left side by `8/8`. This is so we can simplify the expression for the value by adding 2 fractions with a common denominator.

`3/8 - 16/8 = x`

`x = -13/8`