How do you solve #2/5x+1/4=-7/10# by clearing the fractions?
2 Answers
Explanation:
If you have an equation with fractions, you can get rid of the denominators by multiplying each term by the LCM of the denominators. IN this case it is
Explanation:
First note that
#2/5x=(2x)/5# To 'clear' the fractions we require to multiply ALL terms on both sides of the equation by the
#color(blue)"lowest common multiple"# (LCM ) of the denominators 5 , 4 and 10.#the LCM of 5 , 4 and 10 is 20
so multiply all terms by 20
#(cancel(20)^4xx(2x)/cancel(5)^1)+(cancel(20)^5xx1/cancel(4)^1)=cancel(20)^2xx(-7)/cancel(10)^1#
#rArr(4xx2x)+(5xx1)=(2xx-7)larr" no fractions"#
#rArr8x+5=-14# subtract 5 from both sides.
#8xcancel(+5)cancel(-5)=-14-5#
#rArr8x=-19# To solve for x, divide both sides by 8
#(cancel(8) x)/cancel(8)=(-19)/8#
#rArrx=-19/8" is the solution"#
#color(blue)"As a check"# Substitute
#x=-19/8# into the left side and if it is a solution then it should equal the right side.
#"left side " =(2/5xx-19/8)+1/4=-38/40+1/4#
#=-38/40+10/40=-28/40=-7/10color(white)(xx)✔︎#
#rArrx=-19/8" is the solution"#