4.9+Solving+for+X+with+Fractions

Section 4.9 - Solving for X with Fractions
Other than the fact that the problems take a lot longer, the same rules for solving for X with whole numbers (Section 3.5) apply for solving for X with fractions. Except, there is a slight hint on the "divide by the coefficient" step that will save at least 3 seconds.


 * Simplify both sides of the equation **, usually by combining like terms and/or the Distributive Property. However, because the fractions may not be like fractions, you may need to go through the whole process of finding equivalent fractions with common denominators first. You may also need to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.


 * Isolate the variable **by adding or subtracting the same thing from both sides of the equals sign - compounded a bit by the fraction thing.


 * Divide by the coefficient **. Here's where the hint comes in. If you are dividing fractions, you are really going to end up multiplying by the reciprocal, right? So just start there. Instead of dividing both sides by the fraction coefficient, just multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the coefficient. Three seconds and a bit of eraser saved.


 * Chapter Four Practice Problems**

**Where to from here?**
4.1 Greatest Common Factor 4.2 What is a Fraction? 4.3 Equivalent Fractions 4.4 Multiplying Fractions 4.5 Dividing Fractions 4.6 Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions 4.7 Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions 4.8 Fraction Coefficients 4.9 Solving for X with Fractions Chapter Four Review Chapter Four Homework