if you multiply each term by this number, the equation 3x/2-4/5=26/5 will contain no fractions

Question

if you multiply each term by this number, the equation 3x/2-4/5=26/5 will contain no fractions

Answer 1

To find a Common Denominator, all you need is a multiple of all of the denominators.  Multiply by any of those numbers and fractions get eliminated.  For example, 20 is a multiple of both 2 and 5, so:

     3x/2 - 4/5 = 36/5

     30x - 16 = 144

 

To find the LCD (Least Common Denominator), find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of the denominators.  For 2 and 5, that number is 2*5=10.

     3x/2 - 4/5 = 36/5

     15x - 8 = 72

Answer 2

Multiplying by the LCD will CLEAR FRACTIONS--a most useful technique in Algebra.

 

In this case, the magic multiplier is ten.