How to Solve an Equation by Clearing Fractions First
- 1). Find a least common multiple for all of the denominators in the equation. The least common multiple is the smallest number that all of the denominators will divide into, with no remainder. If your equation is (x/2) - (5x/6) = (1/9), the least common multiple among 2, 6 and 9 is 18.
- 2). Multiply every term in the fraction by the least common multiple. This yields (18x/2) - (5*18x/6)= (18/9).
- 3). Simplify the terms in Step 2 to obtain 9x - 15x = 2.
- 4). Combine the x-terms. This gives -6x = 2.
- 5). Isolate x to obtain x =-2/6, or -1/3.
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