Equations with fractions

Solve (x − 6)/5 = 4

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.

1. (x − 6)/5 = 4The question.

2. Step 1: Multiply by 5 on both sides ×5

   (x − 6)/5 means the bracket is divided by 5. Multiply both sides by 5.

   x − 6 = 20

   Dividing is undone by multiplying.

3. 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 = 26

   On the left, the 6 cancels out. x is on its own. x = 26.

   − 6 is undone by + 6.

Answer: x = 26

Check it

Put x = 26 back into the question. If both sides come to the same number, the answer is right.

Left side: (x − 6)/5 → 4

Right side: 4 → 4

✓ Both sides are 4, so x = 26 is right.

Now try it yourself

Solve this one in Algebra Balance. You choose each step, and it explains what happened, with hints if you get stuck.

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