How Do You Solve an Equation Where You're Multiplying Fractions?

How Do You Solve an Equation Where You're Multiplying Fractions?

Note:

Solving an equation with multiple fractions in different forms isn't so bad. This tutorial shows you how to convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction in order to solve the equation. Then, you'll see how to convert the answer back to a mixed fraction to make sense of it. Follow along with this tutorial to see how it's done!

Keywords:

  • problem
  • equation
  • fraction
  • 1 step solution
  • solve by division
  • division property of equality
  • mixed fraction
  • improper fraction
  • improper
  • mixed
  • solve

Background Tutorials

  • Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, e.g., by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

      • What's an Improper Fraction?What's an Improper Fraction?

      What's an Improper Fraction?

      Fractions come in all sorts of flavors, and in this tutorial you'll learn how to recognize improper fractions.

  • Interpret the product (a/b) × q as a parts of a partition of q into b equal parts; equivalently, as the result of a sequence of operations a × q ÷ b.

      • How Do You Multiply Fractions?How Do You Multiply Fractions?

      How Do You Multiply Fractions?

      Working with fractions can be intimidating, but if you arm yourself with the right tools, you'll find that working with fractions is no harder than working with basic numbers. In this tutorial you'll see the process for multiplying 3 very simple fractions. Enjoy!

  • Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.

      • What's a Reciprocal?What's a Reciprocal?

      What's a Reciprocal?

      Reciprocals are important when it comes to dividing fractions, finding perpendicular lines, dealing with inverse proportions, and so much more! In this tutorial you can review the basics about reciprocals.

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • How Do You Evaluate an Algebraic Expression?How Do You Evaluate an Algebraic Expression?

      How Do You Evaluate an Algebraic Expression?

      Plugging variables into an expression is essential for solving many algebra problems. See how to plug in variable values by watching this tutorial.

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers.

      • What's the Multiplication Property of Equality?What's the Multiplication Property of Equality?

      What's the Multiplication Property of Equality?

      Solving equations can be tough, especially if you've forgotten or have trouble understanding the tools at your disposal. One of those tools is the multiplication property of equality, and it lets you multiply both sides of an equation by the same number. Watch the video to see it in action!

Further Exploration

  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers.

  • Solve linear equations with rational number coefficients, including equations whose solutions require expanding expressions using the distributive property and collecting like terms.