Question

How do you solve `7/2 - 3x = -1`?

Answer 1

`x = 1 1/2`

Explanation:

The equation can be solved by using fractions.
`3 1/2 + 1 = 3x`

`4 1/2 = 3x`

`x = 1 1/2`

However, many students struggle with fractions and not all equations work out as easily as this one does. Here is a more general approach if there are fractions in an equation.

Step 1: multiply each term by the LCM of the denominators to cancel them.

`cancelcolor(red)(2) xx 7/cancel2 - color(red)(2)xx3x =-1xxcolor(red)2`

`7 - 6x = -2`

Step 2: There are no more fractions, now solve for the variable.

`7 +2 = 6x`

`9 = 6x`

`x = 1.5`