MAT 0024 SOLVING EQUATIONS INVOLVING FRACTIONS

Worksheet 3
Sections 2.1 & 2.2

Summary: To solve equations, use the addition/multiplication principles to “Get rid of…”

1. Parentheses by using the distributive property. If no fractions, combine like terms.

2. Denominators: Multiply each side of equation by common denominator.
Decimals: Multiply each side of equation by 10, 100, 1000, etc. COMBINE LIKE TERMS.

BEFORE NEXT STEP EACH SIDE SHOULD BE NO MORE COMPLICATED THAN:

“4x – 8”

3. Signs (addition or subtraction) by using the addition principle (add opposites).

Get variable terms on one side of the equation and all constant terms on the
other side. Goal: Each side of equation is no more complicated than
“4x = -9.”
4. Coefficients by dividing by coefficient (BY SAME NUMBER). Goal: x = number

Parents, Do Send Cash

m 1 t 3x
1.  3 2. x5 3. 6 4.  6 
4 4 3 5

2 x m m
5. x6 6.  5  7.  5 8. 2
7 6 8 3

3 2 2 3 5 3 3 1
9. t 10.  t 11. x 12. x
4 3 3 5 6 4 4 2

3 1 2 1 1 1
13. 2 y   14. y   15.  t4
5 2 5 3 4 2
 1 1 1 3 2 1
16. x  x  3  x 17.  2m  m  18. m   m 1
4 2 3 2 3 4

2 3 2
19.  x  2  3 20.  2 x  1  2 21.  3x  1  5
5 4 3

1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1
22.  t 1  t  t 23. m 2  m 24.  w3  w
2 5 5 5 3 5 4 3

25. 3.5X + 0.8 = 18.24 - 5.9X 26. 0.3X - .24 = 0.36 + .52X

PAGE 75: Odds 47 – 57, 61, 63

P. 83: 29, 30, all 45 – 52, 73, 75, 77
2
[even answers: P. 83: 30)8; 46)  ;48)-3;50)-3, 52) 0.8] (024)
3