Trinity K.

asked • 11/20/13

how to graph a linear equation with fractions

this is the problem:
 
-1/2x + 1/8y = 3/4
 
I know how to do this without fractions, this is what I have so far, now I'm stuck
 
-1/2x + 1/8y = 3/4
+1/2x              +1/2x
1/8y = 1/2x + 3/4
divide each by 1/8 - I don't know how to do this with a fraction

1 Expert Answer

By:

Vivian L. answered • 11/20/13

Tutor
3 (1)

Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook, essay composition, math; I LOVE TO TEACH

Trinity K.

I am still confused.  my book says to subtract to move x to the other side of the equation.  then divide to get y by itself.
Report

11/20/13

Vivian L.

Let's do what your book says, almost...
(-1/2)x + (1/8)y = 3/4
Let's add, not subtract, (1/2)x to both sides of the equation...
We must add because the negative (1/2)x is already on the left side of the equation.  We need to cancel it as we proceed to isolate y...
(1/2)x-(1/2)x+(1/8)y=(1/2)x+3/4
(1/8)y=(1/2)x+3/4
Now we can multiply both sides by 8, not divide by 8...
(8)(1/8)y=8[(1/2)x+3/4]
y=4x+6
 
I wish I could see your book.
Report

11/20/13

Trinity K.

thank you, I understand what I was doing wrong now.
the book I am using is here:  http://www.bigideasmath.com/students/?level=9.00, Big Ideas Math: Grade 8 Florida (not Florida Core).
 
Thanks again.  I have a test tomorrow and this should help.
Report

11/20/13

Vivian L.

Can you give me a page number?
Report

11/20/13

Trinity K.

page 97, problem #15
Report

11/21/13

Vivian L.

I am working on it.
Report

11/21/13

Vivian L.

Is that the correct page number?
Report

11/21/13

Trinity K.

yes, page 97, problem #15 is the one I was doing,  the book is the 8th grade florida, it is blue and white with the kid playing soccer.
Report

11/21/13

Vivian L.

I cannot find it using the hyperlink you provided.
How did the test go?
Report

11/21/13

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.