Chapter 6: Problem 23
Solve. If no solution exists, state this. $$ \frac{1}{3 t}+\frac{1}{t}=\frac{1}{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( t = \frac{8}{3} \)
Step by step solution
01
- Identify the common denominator
The common denominator for the fractions \( \frac{1}{3t} \) and \( \frac{1}{t} \) is \( 3t \).
02
- Rewrite fractions with the common denominator
Rewrite \( \frac{1}{3t} \) and \( \frac{1}{t} \) with the common denominator: \[ \frac{1}{3t} + \frac{3}{3t} = \frac{1 + 3}{3t} = \frac{4}{3t}. \]
03
- Set up the equation
Set the sum of the fractions equal to the right-hand side of the equation: \[ \frac{4}{3t} = \frac{1}{2}. \]
04
- Cross-multiply to solve for t
Cross-multiply to eliminate the fractions: \[ 4 \times 2 = 3t, \] resulting in \[ 8 = 3t. \]
05
- Solve for t
Divide both sides by 3 to isolate \( t \): \[ t = \frac{8}{3}. \]
06
- Check your solution
Substitute \( t = \frac{8}{3} \) back into the original equation to ensure it holds true: \[ \frac{1}{3 \cdot \frac{8}{3}} + \frac{1}{\frac{8}{3}} = \frac{1}{2}. \] This simplifies to \[ \frac{1}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{4}{8} = \frac{1}{2}, \] so the solution is correct.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Denominator
When dealing with fractions, having a common denominator makes the equation easier to work with. In this problem, the fractions are \( \frac{1}{3t} \) and \( \frac{1}{t} \). To combine them, we use the common denominator, which is \( 3t \). Essentially, we look for a denominator that both denominators divide into.
It’s similar to finding the least common multiple (LCM). Here, the LCM of \( 3t \) and \( t \) is easily \( 3t \). Now, we rewrite each fraction with \( 3t \) as the denominator: \( \frac{1}{3t} \) stays the same and \( \frac{1}{t} \) becomes \( \frac{3}{3t} \). This step prepares us for adding the fractions together.
It’s similar to finding the least common multiple (LCM). Here, the LCM of \( 3t \) and \( t \) is easily \( 3t \). Now, we rewrite each fraction with \( 3t \) as the denominator: \( \frac{1}{3t} \) stays the same and \( \frac{1}{t} \) becomes \( \frac{3}{3t} \). This step prepares us for adding the fractions together.
Fraction Addition
Once fractions have a common denominator, adding them becomes straightforward. From our common denominator step, we have:
\( \frac{1}{3t} + \frac{3}{3t} \)
We can directly add the numerators while keeping the denominator constant:
\( \frac{1}{3t} + \frac{3}{3t} \)
We can directly add the numerators while keeping the denominator constant:
- Numerator: \( 1 + 3 = 4 \)
- Denominator: \( 3t \)
Cross-Multiplication
Next, we solve the equation \( \frac{4}{3t} = \frac{1}{2} \) using cross-multiplication. This method helps eliminate the fractions by transforming the equation into a simpler form. Here's how it works:
We multiply the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other fraction:
We multiply the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other fraction:
- \( 4 \times 2 = 8 \)
- \( 3t \times 1 = 3t \)
Isolating Variables
Our final goal is to solve for \( t \). From the cross-multiplication step, we have the equation \( 8 = 3t \). To isolate the variable \( t \), we need to get it alone on one side of the equation. We do this by dividing both sides by 3:
- \( 8 eq 3 = 3t \)
- \( \text{then} \frac{8}{3} = t \)