Equations with fractions
Solve (x − 3)/6 = 7
The aim is to get x on its own. Whatever we do to one side, we do to the other, so the equation stays balanced. This one takes 2 steps.
- (x − 3)/6 = 7The question.
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Step 1: Multiply by 6 on both sides ×6
(x − 3)/6 means the bracket is divided by 6. Multiply both sides by 6.
x − 3 = 42Dividing is undone by multiplying.
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Step 2: Add 3 on both sides +3
On the left, the x part has − 3 with it. Add 3 to both sides to get rid of it.
x = 45On the left, the 3 cancels out. x is on its own. x = 45.
− 3 is undone by + 3.
Answer: x = 45
Check it
Put x = 45 back into the question. If both sides come to the same number, the answer is right.
Left side: (x − 3)/6 → 7
Right side: 7 → 7
✓ Both sides are 7, so x = 45 is right.
Now try it yourself
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