Chapter 1: Problem 12
Solve each equation. $$\frac{x}{3}+\frac{2 x}{5}=\frac{-11}{5}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the equation is \( x = -3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the goal and the equation
We aim to solve the equation \( \frac{x}{3} + \frac{2x}{5} = \frac{-11}{5} \). This means finding the value of \( x \) that makes the equation true.
02
Find a common denominator
Identify a common denominator for the fractions. The common denominator between 3 and 5 is 15. Rewrite each term with this common denominator.
03
Rewrite the fractions with the common denominator
Convert \( \frac{x}{3} \) to \( \frac{5x}{15} \) and \( \frac{2x}{5} \) to \( \frac{6x}{15} \). The equation now becomes \( \frac{5x}{15} + \frac{6x}{15} = \frac{-33}{15} \).
04
Combine like terms
Add the fractions on the left-hand side since they have the same denominator: \( \frac{5x + 6x}{15} = \frac{11x}{15} \). The equation now is \( \frac{11x}{15} = \frac{-33}{15} \).
05
Clear the fractions
Multiply both sides of the equation by 15 to eliminate the denominators: \( 11x = -33 \).
06
Solve for x
Divide both sides by 11 to isolate \( x \): \( x = -3 \).
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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 in an equation, finding a common denominator is crucial. This is because adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators is not straightforward.
To add fractions readily:
- Identify the denominators of the fractions involved.
- Find the smallest multiple both denominators share, which is known as the least common denominator (LCD).
Fractions
Fractions consist of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). They represent parts of a whole. In equations, they often require special attention to be manipulated correctly.When rewriting fractions with a new common denominator, you must:
- Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the same number so that the new denominator matches the common denominator.
- Multiply numerator (x) and denominator (3) by 5, getting \( \frac{5x}{15} \).
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms is a fundamental step in simplifying equations. It involves merging terms with the same variables and powers.In this context:
- After standardizing the fractions' denominators, fractions like \( \frac{5x}{15} \) and \( \frac{6x}{15} \) become simpler to add.
- The sum is \( \frac{5x + 6x}{15} = \frac{11x}{15} \).
Isolation of Variable
The ultimate goal in solving a linear equation is to isolate the variable, making it the sole entity on one side of the equation.Here's how you achieve this:
- First, eliminate fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the common denominator.
- Next, divide each side by the coefficient of the variable to isolate it. For this equation, divide by 11.
- \( x = -3 \)