Solve the Fraction Equation: Discovering X in -1/2(x + 1/4) = 1/8

Question

Solve for X:

12(x+14)=18 -\frac{1}{2}(x+\frac{1}{4})=\frac{1}{8}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Find X
00:04 Multiply by (-2) to eliminate the fraction
00:18 Factor 8 into factors 4 and 2
00:25 Simplify what's possible
00:30 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
00:47 Factor 4 into factors 2 and 2
00:51 Simplify what's possible
00:56 This is the solution to the problem

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation 12(x+14)=18-\frac{1}{2}(x+\frac{1}{4})=\frac{1}{8}, we will first eliminate the fraction by multiplying both sides by the common denominator. The common denominator here is 8, so we proceed as follows:

  • Step 1: Multiply both sides by 8 to eliminate the fractions:
    8(12(x+14))=8×18 8 \left(-\frac{1}{2}(x+\frac{1}{4})\right) = 8 \times \frac{1}{8}
  • Step 2: Simplify the left side:
    4(x+14)=1 -4(x+\frac{1}{4}) = 1
  • Step 3: Distribute 4-4 into the terms inside the parentheses:
    4x1=1 -4x - 1 = 1
  • Step 4: Add 1 to both sides to isolate the term with xx:
    4x=2 -4x = 2
  • Step 5: Divide both sides by 4-4 to solve for xx:
    x=24=12 x = \frac{2}{-4} = -\frac{1}{2}

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=12 x = -\frac{1}{2} .

Answer

12 -\frac{1}{2}