How do you solve #-\frac { 2} { 5} = - \frac { 2} { 3} + s#?
1 Answer
Feb 3, 2017
Explanation:
Isolate s by adding
#2/3# to both sides of the equation.Adding the same value to both sides retains the 'balance' of the equation.
#-2/5color(red)(+2/3)=cancel(-2/3)color(red)cancel(+2/3)+s#
#rArrs=-2/5+2/3larrcolor(magenta)"reversing the equation"# Before we can add these fractions we require them to have a
#color(blue)"common denominator"# Multiplying the numerator/denominator of the first fraction by 3 and multiplying the numerator/denominator of the second fraction by 5, gives a common denominator.
#rArrs=(-2/5xx3/3)+(2/3xx5/5)#
#color(white)(xxxx)=-6/15+10/15larrcolor(red)" common denominator"# Now the denominators are the same we can add the numerators.
#rArrs=(-6+10)/15=4/15#