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How Do You Solve a Multi-Step Equation with Fractions by Multiplying Away the Fraction?

Solve for x: (2/3)•x - 2 = 4

Summary

  1. x is the variable we are trying to solve for
  2. Cancel out the fraction by multiplying
  3. Apply the distributive property to simplify the left side of the equation
  4. To get rid of the 6 on the left side, we just add 6 to both sides
  5. Our last step is to just divide both sides by 2 and get x by itself!

Notes

    1. The denominator is the number below the fraction bar
    1. Multiply 3 by each term to apply the distributive property
    1. x is the variable we are trying to solve for
    2. The 3 cancels out the 3 in the denominator
    3. So instead of having a fraction in front of the x, our first term becomes just 2x
    1. 3 times 2 is equal to 6
    1. 3 times 4 is equal to 12
    1. If we add 6 to one side of the equation, we have to add it to the other side of the equation as well! That's what the addition property of equality tell us.
    1. If we add 6 to one side of the equation, we have to add it to the other side of the equation as well! That's what the addition property of equality tell us.
    2. x is the variable we are trying to solve for
    3. The 6's cancel and we're left with 2x by itself on the left side of the equation
    4. The right side of the equation becomes 18
    1. x is the variable we are trying to solve for
    2. The 2's cancel out and we're left with x on the left side!
    3. 18 divided by 2 is 9!