fractions ughhhhhhhhh

Question

how do you work fractions algebra problems? in an easy, simple way please explain

Answer 1

I know what you mean! No one likes fractions, but we can get rid of them in algebra problems. This technique is called "clearing the fractions." The best way to describe it is my example.

Let's say you have to solve for x:

2/3 x + 1/4 = 3/2

We know we have to get x all by itself on one side. Before we start that process, let's "clear the fractions."

1. What is the lowest common denominator of our fractions? The LCD of 3, 4, and 2 is 12, right? (Right)

2. Multiply EVERY term in your equation by the LCD (in this example, 12)

   12*(2/3) x + 12*1/4 = 12*3/2

  24/3 x + 12/4 = 36/2

Reduce your fractions (if you did step 1 and 2 correctly, your fractions should be gone)

  8x + 3 = 18

Now solve as usual:

  8x = 15

  x = 15/8

Answer 2

Fractions problems seem overwhelming when you add algebra in the mix.  Relax.

 Don't be afraid to break problems down into smaller ones and puting them back to together and working some more.  Or looking at prblems differently to make it easier.

Here's the questions I ask my self when working problems with stuff I dont' like and then I break them down depending on the situation.

Is it an equation or other comparitive( >, <, etc.)?  Or   Is it an expression?

 

If it is an equation or other comparitive, are the fractions simple or complex?

Simple means that there is a numerator and a denominator like 5X/27 or 35/7Y, etc.

Complex means seems there is detail in the fraction that seems more than a numerator over a denominator like 2/3x/4 or 4/2x/7y/2.

If it is an equation(or other compaitive) and has simple fractions, you can turn the problem into an easier problem by multiplying all numerators by the least common multiple of all the demoninators.  For example:  2Y/3 + 5/2 = 7/6 - Y/2

3, 2, 6, and 2 are your denominators

The LCM is 6 since 2 and 3 both divide into 6.

Multiply all numerators by 6:  

You get 12Y/3 + 30/2 = 42/6 - 6Y/2

Reduce each fraction.

You get 4Y + 15 = 7 - 3Y, an easier problem to work with.

If there are any complex fractions, focus on them first.  Use your fraction skills and turn them into simple fractions.  then do as I did above. 

If it is an expression,  are there simple fractions or complex fractions.

If it is an expression with no complex fractions, combine like terms.  Relax.  Let me give you an example.

3H/2 + 2/5 - 2H/7 - 8/3

I like to rearange and group like terms.

3H/2 - 2H/7  + 2/5 - 8/3

Look at the H's : you have  3H/2 -2H/7 ignore the H's you have 3/2 - 2/7 so find the common denominator.  In this case would be 14.  Since you multiply 2 by 7 then multiply 3 by 7.  You get 21/14.  Since you multiply 7 by 2 then multiply 2 by 2.  you get 4/14. 

now you have 21/14 - 4/14

look at numerators only 21 - 4

12 - 4 = 17

put 17 back over 14 you get 17/14.

put back the H. you got 17H/14.

Do the same  2/5 - 8/3 except no letter.

LCd is 15 so the fraction should now be 6/15 - 40/15

look at the numerators 6- 40

Signs are opposite so subtract and 40 is larger so the answer is negative.

40  - 6 = 34 so it should be - 34

put  - 34 back over 15.  you get -34/ 15.

put bothe parts together since there are no more like terms. You get  17H/14 - 34/15 as your answer.

If there are any complex fractions, use rules like dividing fractions is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal of the second term or denominator fraction.  For example, 2X/ 3 / 4/7 can be viewed as 2X/3 divided by 4/7

now use the rule: 2X/3 times 7/4

multiply or reduce first

multiply you get 14X/12  or reduce first you get 1X/3 times 7/2

reduce latter you get or multiple latter you get 7X/6 .

Once you have simple fractions, then just make sure you know which situation that you are working with:

Equations(or other comparitives)  Or Expressions

Then work the problems according to the situation.

If you have any more questions , please find a tutor in your area.

 

 

Answer 3

To solve in an algebra equation you do the opposite. A fraction is like division so you can flip the fracion and multiply    example:   1/4 x=12  flip the fraction and multiply

                4/1 times 1/4 x = 4/1 times 12

                4/1 times 1/4 cancells out leaving the x by itself

                x=4times 12

                  x = 48