3/4x -1/3 =5 What is x?

1 Answer
Nov 17, 2017

x = (64)/(9)

Explanation:

Solve for x
(3/4)x - (1/3) = 5

1) Start by clearing the first fraction by multiplying all the terms on both sides by 4 and letting that denominator cancel.
After you have multiplied and canceled, you will get this:
3x - (4/3) = 20

2) Next, clear the other fraction by multiplying all the terms on both sides by 3 and letting that denominator cancel.
After you have multiplied and canceled, you will have this:
9x - 4 = 60

3) Add 4 to both sides to isolate the 9x term
9x = 64

4) Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x
x = (64)/(9) <-- answer
........................

Check

1) Sub in (64)/(9) for x in the original equation

(3/4)x - (1/3) = 5

(3/4)((64)/(9))- (1/3) should still equal 5

2) Reduce the fractions to lowest terms

(cancel3^1/(cancel4^1))((cancel64^16)/(cancel9^3))- (1/3)

(16)/(3) - (1)/(3)

3) Subtract the fractions.
They already have a common denominator.

(15)/(3)
This should still equal 5 after you change it to a whole number

4) 5 does equal 5
Check!