An algebra problem with fractions

Math Central

Quandaries & Queries

Question from Morgan, a student:

Hi my math teacher has given us this question for our grade nine math
class and I always get confused about multiple x algebra, could you help me?

6x+4        3x+2
------   = ------
  3               5

I have no problems until it comes to commissioning integers, or x's

Thanks

Hi Morgan,

First I think you should eliminate the fractions. If you multiply both sides of the equation by 3 you get

You can now cancel the two 3s on the left to get

and thus

.

To clear the fraction on the right, multiply both sides by 5 and cancel as above to get

5(6x + 4) = 3(3x + 2).

Using the distributive law on each side this becomes

30x + 20 = 9x + 6.

Can you complete the problem now? It may help to look at solutions to similar problems here and here.

Penny

Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.