two-step equation

Question

Solve 5/6 - (2/3)u = 0

Answer 1

(5/6) - (2/3)u = 0

Clear the equation of fractions by multiplying every term by the LCD/LCM of all the denominators. In this case the LCM for 3 and 6 is 6.

Note that for 6(5/6) , the 6's cancel out and the result is 1 (5) = 5.

For 6 (-2u/3) the 3 divides into the 6 multiplier leaving a factor of 2; 2(-2u) = -4u.

Finally 6 times 0 on the right of the equal sign is still 0.

After clearing the equation of fractions ( a step that you will eventually be able to do mentally) the equation looks like this:

5 - 4u = 0

5 = 4u (add 4u to both sides of the equation -- or transpose the -4u to right side by moving and changing its sign)

u = 5/4 (divide both sides by the coefficient of u--or multiply both sides by the reciprocal 1/4).

The answer can also be written at 1.25.

Answer 2

(5/6) - (2/3)u = 0

5/6 = (2/3)u

Multiply both sides by 6: 5 = 4u

Divide both sides by 4: u = 5/4