What you’ll learn
Solve. Enter an exact answer or an equivalent intermediate statement.
Key idea
Undo the constant term first, then divide by the coefficient of the variable. With fractions, use common denominators or multiply by a reciprocal; keep the order of operations clear.
For (2/3)x − 1/2 = 5/6, add 1/2 to both sides. Since 1/2 = 3/6, the right side becomes 8/6 = 4/3. Dividing by 2/3 gives x = 2. Substituting confirms (2/3)(2) − 1/2 = 5/6.
Worked example
Solve. Enter an exact answer or an equivalent intermediate statement.
(6/5)x + (1) = 2/5
- (6/5)x = -3/5
- x = -1/2
Answer: -1/2
Quick Check
Analyze the proposed student response. Choose Correct or Incorrect.
(-7/2)x + (-8) = -109/4 Student response: 11/2