Question

How do you solve `-\frac { 2} { 15} = x - \frac { 5} { 9}`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

Step 1) Add `color(red)(5/9)` to each side of the equation to isolate `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`-2/15 + color(red)(5/9) = x - 5/9 + color(red)(5/9)`

`-2/15 + 5/9 = x - 0`

`-2/15 + 5/9 = x`

Step 2) Put the fractions over common denominators by multiplying them by the appropriate form of `1` so you can add the fractions to solve for `x`:

`(3/3 * -2/15 + (5/5 * 5/9) = x`

`(-6/45 + 25/45 = x`

`(-6 + 25)/45 = x`

`19/45 = x`