Linear Equations 2

Equations with fractions

• When you have an equation with fractions, you need to get rid of any fractions before solving
• You can do this by multiplying every term by the lowest common multiple of the denominators
• x/3 + x+1/5 = 11
• x15
• 5x + 3x-3 = 165
• +3
• 8x = 168
• /8
• x = 21

Multiplying by an expression

• You might have to multiply by an expression to get rid of the fractions
• 20/n-3 = -5
• xn-3
• 20 = -5(n-3)

Worked practice

• Eliminate fractions before you start solving the equation
• You can do this by multiplying both sides of the equation by 4
• Use brackets to show that you are multiplying everything by 4
• Multiply out the brackets, then solve the equation normally
• Remember that your answer could be a fraction

Pract