Learning Objectives
- Solve equations with fraction coefficients
- Solve equations with decimal coefficients
Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.
- Multiply:
If you missed this problem, review Example 4.28 - Find the LCD of
If you missed this problem, review Example 4.63 - Multiply: by
If you missed this problem, review Example 5.18
Solve Equations with Fraction Coefficients
Let’s use the General Strategy for Solving Linear Equations introduced earlier to solve the equation
To isolate the term, subtract from both sides. | |
Simplify the left side. | |
Change the constants to equivalent fractions with the LCD. | |
Subtract. | |
Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of . | |
Simplify. |
This method worked fine, but many students don’t feel very confident when they see all those fractions. So we are going to show an alternate method to solve equations with fractions. This alternate method eliminates the fractions.
We will apply the Multiplication Property of Equality and multiply both sides of an equation by the least common denominator of all the fractions in the equation. The result of this operation will be a new equation, equivalent to the first, but with no fractions. This process is called clearing the equation of fractions. Let’s solve the same equation again, but this time use the method that clears the fractions.
Example 8.37
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
Notice in Example 8.37 that once we cleared the equation of fractions, the equation was like those we solved earlier in this chapter. We changed the problem to one we already knew how to solve! We then used the General Strategy for Solving Linear Equations.
How To
Solve equations with fraction coefficients by clearing the fractions.
- Step 1. Find the least common denominator of all the fractions in the equation.
- Step 2. Multiply both sides of the equation by that LCD. This clears the fractions.
- Step 3. Solve using the General Strategy for Solving Linear Equations.
Example 8.38
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
In the next example, we’ll have variables and fractions on both sides of the equation.
Example 8.39
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
In Example 8.40, we’ll start by using the Distributive Property. This step will clear the fractions right away!
Example 8.40
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
Many times, there will still be fractions, even after distributing.
Example 8.41
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
Solve Equations with Decimal Coefficients
Some equations have decimals in them. This kind of equation will occur when we solve problems dealing with money and percent. But decimals are really another way to represent fractions. For example, and So, when we have an equation with decimals, we can use the same process we used to clear fractions—multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denominator.
Example 8.42
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
Example 8.43
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
The next example uses an equation that is typical of the ones we will see in the money applications in the next chapter. Notice that we will distribute the decimal first before we clear all decimals in the equation.
Example 8.44
Solve:
Solve:
Solve:
Media Access Additional Online Resources
- Solve an Equation with Fractions with Variable Terms on Both Sides
- Ex 1: Solve an Equation with Fractions with Variable Terms on Both Sides
- Ex 2: Solve an Equation with Fractions with Variable Terms on Both Sides
- Solving Multiple Step Equations Involving Decimals
- Ex: Solve a Linear Equation With Decimals and Variables on Both Sides
- Ex: Solve an Equation with Decimals and Parentheses
Section 8.4 Exercises
Practice Makes Perfect
Solve equations with fraction coefficients
In the following exercises, solve the equation by clearing the fractions.
Solve Equations with Decimal Coefficients
In the following exercises, solve the equation by clearing the decimals.
Everyday Math
Coins Taylor has in dimes and pennies. The number of pennies is more than the number of dimes. Solve the equation for the number of dimes.
Stamps Travis bought worth of stamps and stamps. The number of stamps was less than the number of stamps. Solve the equation for to find the number of stamps Travis bought.
Writing Exercises
If an equation has several fractions, how does multiplying both sides by the LCD make it easier to solve?
If an equation has fractions only on one side, why do you have to multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD?
In the equation what is the LCD? How do you know?
Self Check
ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.
ⓑ Overall, after looking at the checklist, do you think you are well-prepared for the next Chapter? Why or why not?