Chapter 3: Problem 100
If \(f(x)=\frac{5}{6} x-\frac{3}{4},\) find the value \((s)\) of \(x\) so that \(f(x)=-\frac{7}{16}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(x\) is \( \frac{3}{8} \).
Step by step solution
01
- Set Up the Equation
Given the function \( f(x) = \frac{5}{6}x - \frac{3}{4} \) and the condition \( f(x) = -\frac{7}{16} \), we set up the equation: \( \frac{5}{6}x - \frac{3}{4} = -\frac{7}{16} \).
02
- Isolate the Linear Term
To isolate the term involving \(x\), add \( \frac{3}{4} \) to both sides of the equation: \( \frac{5}{6}x = -\frac{7}{16} + \frac{3}{4} \).
03
- Find a Common Denominator
Convert \( \frac{3}{4} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 16: \( \frac{3}{4} = \frac{12}{16} \). The equation now reads: \( \frac{5}{6}x = -\frac{7}{16} + \frac{12}{16} \).
04
- Simplify the Right Side
Combine the fractions on the right side: \( \frac{5}{6}x = \frac{12}{16} - \frac{7}{16} = \frac{5}{16} \).
05
- Solve for x
To solve for \(x\), multiply both sides by the reciprocal of \( \frac{5}{6} \), which is \( \frac{6}{5} \): \( x = \frac{5}{16} \times \frac{6}{5} = \frac{6}{16} = \frac{3}{8} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations is a foundational skill in algebra. A linear equation typically has the form: y = mx + bwhere m and b are constants. To solve a linear equation, follow these steps:
- Isolate the variable (x): Your goal is to get x by itself on one side of the equation. You do this through operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Combine like terms and simplify: If the equation has terms that can be combined, such as constant numbers, do so to simplify the equation.
- Check your solution: Substitute your solution back into the original equation to ensure it works.
Function Notation
Function notation is a shorthand way of representing functions. It uses the format f(x) to denote a function named f with x as the input variable. For example, f(x) = mx + b can describe a linear function, where m represents the slope and b the y-intercept. Here are a few points to note:
- Evaluating functions: To find f(a) for some value a, replace x with a in the function’s formula.
- Equality in functions: Setting f(x) equal to a value lets you solve for x, as in the exercise above where f(x) = -7/16.
- Visual interpretations: Functions can be graphed on a coordinate plane, showing how y changes with x.
Fractions in Equations
Handling fractions in equations can seem tricky, but there are strategies to make it easier:
- Common denominators: When adding or subtracting fractions, convert them to have a common denominator. For example, in the exercise, \[ \frac{3}{4} \] became \[ \frac{12}{16} \] to match \[ \frac{7}{16} \]. This simplifies combining the fractions.
- Reciprocals: To clear fractions involving the variable, use the reciprocal. In the exercise, multiplying both sides by \[ \frac{6}{5} \]removed the fractional coefficient of x.
- Avoiding Errors: Be careful with signs and arithmetic operations. Double-check each step.
Algebraic Manipulation
Algebraic manipulation involves rearranging equations to isolate variables or simplify expressions. Key techniques include:
- Combining like terms: Simplify the equation by merging terms with the same variable or constant.
- Using properties of equality: Add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides of the equation by the same number to maintain equality.
- Simplifying expressions: Break down complex expressions into simpler components to make manipulation easier, like converting \[ \frac{3}{4} \] to \[ \frac{12}{16} \].