Chapter 4: Problem 668
Translate and solve. The sum of two-thirds and \(n\) is \(-\frac{3}{5}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(n\) is \(-\frac{19}{15}\).
Step by step solution
01
Translate the sentence into an equation
Rewrite the given statement as an algebraic equation. The sentence 'The sum of two-thirds and n is -\frac{3}{5}' can be written as: \[ \frac{2}{3} + n = -\frac{3}{5} \]
02
Isolate the variable
Subtract \( \frac{2}{3} \) from both sides of the equation to isolate \( n \): \[ n = -\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{3} \]
03
Find the common denominator
Find a common denominator to combine the fractions. The least common denominator of 5 and 3 is 15:\[ n = -\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{3} = -\frac{9}{15} - \frac{10}{15} \]
04
Combine the fractions
Subtract the fractions now that they have a common denominator:\[ n = -\frac{9}{15} - \frac{10}{15} = -\frac{19}{15} \]
05
Simplify the result
The fraction \(-\frac{19}{15}\) is already in its simplest form.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Algebraic Equations
An algebraic equation is a mathematical statement that shows the equality of two expressions separated by an equal sign (=). In the given exercise, the statement 'The sum of two-thirds and \(n\) is \(-\frac{3}{5}\)' translates to the algebraic equation:
\[ \frac{2}{3} + n = -\frac{3}{5} \]
Understanding how to translate word problems into algebraic equations is crucial. Words like 'sum,' 'difference,' 'product,' and 'quotient' frequently appear in word problems and each has a corresponding arithmetic operation. In this exercise, 'sum' indicates that we are adding two quantities.
\[ \frac{2}{3} + n = -\frac{3}{5} \]
Understanding how to translate word problems into algebraic equations is crucial. Words like 'sum,' 'difference,' 'product,' and 'quotient' frequently appear in word problems and each has a corresponding arithmetic operation. In this exercise, 'sum' indicates that we are adding two quantities.
Fractions
Fractions represent parts of a whole and consist of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). In our equation, we have fractions \( \frac{2}{3} \) and \( -\frac{3}{5} \).
When working with fractions in algebraic equations, it's essential to combine them correctly. You often need to find a common denominator before performing operations like addition or subtraction.
Let's not forget basic fraction rules:
When working with fractions in algebraic equations, it's essential to combine them correctly. You often need to find a common denominator before performing operations like addition or subtraction.
Let's not forget basic fraction rules:
- To add or subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator.
- The numerator dictates how many parts we have.
- The denominator indicates how many parts make up a whole.
Least Common Denominator
The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest number that both denominators of two fractions can divide into without leaving a remainder. Finding the LCD is essential when adding or subtracting fractions.
For our equation, we have fractions with denominators 3 and 5. The LCD for 3 and 5 is 15. To combine \( -\frac{3}{5} \) and \( \frac{2}{3} \), convert them to equivalent fractions with the denominator 15:
\[ -\frac{3}{5} = -\frac{9}{15} \]
\[ \frac{2}{3} = \frac{10}{15} \]
Now that the fractions have the same denominator, you can easily combine them.
For our equation, we have fractions with denominators 3 and 5. The LCD for 3 and 5 is 15. To combine \( -\frac{3}{5} \) and \( \frac{2}{3} \), convert them to equivalent fractions with the denominator 15:
\[ -\frac{3}{5} = -\frac{9}{15} \]
\[ \frac{2}{3} = \frac{10}{15} \]
Now that the fractions have the same denominator, you can easily combine them.
Isolating Variables
Isolating the variable is a fundamental step in solving algebraic equations. Isolating \( n \) means getting \( n \) by itself on one side of the equation. Let's see this in our problem.
The equation is: \( \frac{2}{3} + n = -\frac{3}{5} \)
To isolate \( n \), subtract \( \frac{2}{3} \) from both sides of the equation:
\[ n = -\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{3} \]
Now simplify the right-hand side by finding a common denominator (which we did earlier):
\[ n = -\frac{19}{15} \]
Variable isolation is a key technique in solving any algebraic equation, helping to find the value of the unknown variable.
The equation is: \( \frac{2}{3} + n = -\frac{3}{5} \)
To isolate \( n \), subtract \( \frac{2}{3} \) from both sides of the equation:
\[ n = -\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{3} \]
Now simplify the right-hand side by finding a common denominator (which we did earlier):
\[ n = -\frac{19}{15} \]
Variable isolation is a key technique in solving any algebraic equation, helping to find the value of the unknown variable.