Equations with fractions
Solve (x − 6)/3 = 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 − 6)/3 = 7The question.
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Step 1: Multiply by 3 on both sides ×3
(x − 6)/3 means the bracket is divided by 3. Multiply both sides by 3.
x − 6 = 21Dividing is undone by multiplying.
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Step 2: Add 6 on both sides +6
On the left, the x part has − 6 with it. Add 6 to both sides to get rid of it.
x = 27On the left, the 6 cancels out. x is on its own. x = 27.
− 6 is undone by + 6.
Answer: x = 27
Check it
Put x = 27 back into the question. If both sides come to the same number, the answer is right.
Left side: (x − 6)/3 → 7
Right side: 7 → 7
✓ Both sides are 7, so x = 27 is right.
Now try it yourself
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