Chapter 4: Problem 37
Solve the equation and simplify your answer. $$x-\frac{4}{7}=\frac{7}{8}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the equation is \(x = \frac{81}{56}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Equation
We need to solve the equation \(x - \frac{4}{7} = \frac{7}{8}\). Our goal is to find the value of \(x\) that makes this equation true.
02
Isolate the Variable
To solve for \(x\), we add \(\frac{4}{7}\) to both sides of the equation in order to isolate \(x\). This gives us \(x = \frac{7}{8} + \frac{4}{7}\).
03
Find a Common Denominator
The denominators 8 and 7 need a common denominator to add the fractions. The smallest common denominator is 56. Now, convert each fraction: \(\frac{7}{8} = \frac{49}{56}\) and \(\frac{4}{7} = \frac{32}{56}\).
04
Add the Fractions
Add the fractions: \(\frac{49}{56} + \frac{32}{56} = \frac{81}{56}\).
05
Simplify the Fraction (if necessary)
The fraction \(\frac{81}{56}\) is already in its simplest form since 81 and 56 do not have any common factors other than 1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Fractions
Fractions are numerical expressions that represent a part of a whole. A fraction consists of two numbers: the numerator and the denominator. The numerator, located above the line, shows how many parts we have, while the denominator, below the line, shows how many parts make up a whole. Let's look at an example, \( \frac{4}{7} \). Here, 4 is the numerator and 7 is the denominator.
- If the numerator is smaller than the denominator, the fraction is less than one.
- A numerator larger than the denominator indicates a fraction greater than one, also known as an improper fraction.
- If the numerator is equal to the denominator, the fraction is equivalent to one.
Finding a Common Denominator
When adding or subtracting fractions, finding a common denominator is essential. This is because you can only directly add or subtract fractions when they share the same denominator. To find a common denominator:
- Identify the denominators you need to work with.
- Find the smallest number that both denominators can divide into without leaving a remainder, which is the least common multiple (LCM).
- Convert the original fractions to equivalent fractions with this common denominator.
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions makes them easier to work with and understand. A fraction is in its simplest form when the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both the numerator and the denominator is 1. This means there are no numbers other than 1 that can divide both the numerator and the denominator.
- Check if both the numerator and the denominator share any common factors.
- If they do, divide both by their GCD to reduce the fraction.