Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding X in (1/3)(x+9) = 4 + (2/3)x

Question

13(x+9)=4+23x \frac{1}{3}(x+9)=4+\frac{2}{3}x

x=? x=\text{?}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Solve
00:04 Multiply by the denominator to eliminate the fraction
00:23 Simplify what we can
00:30 We want to isolate the unknown X
00:34 Arrange the equation so that X is alone on one side
00:51 Convert from negative to positive
00:58 Negative divided by negative always equals positive
01:01 Positive divided by negative always equals negative
01:04 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation 13(x+9)=4+23x \frac{1}{3}(x+9) = 4+\frac{2}{3}x , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Clear fractions by multiplying through by the least common denominator.
  • Step 2: Simplify the equation to combine like terms.
  • Step 3: Solve for x x .

Let's begin:

Step 1: Multiply every term in the equation by 3 to eliminate fractions:

313(x+9)=3(4+23x) 3 \cdot \frac{1}{3}(x+9) = 3 \cdot \left( 4 + \frac{2}{3}x \right)

This simplifies to:

x+9=12+2x x + 9 = 12 + 2x

Step 2: Rearrange the equation to get all x x terms on one side and constant terms on the other:

Subtract 2x 2x from both sides:

x+92x=12 x + 9 - 2x = 12

Which simplifies to:

x+9=12 -x + 9 = 12

Next, subtract 9 from both sides to isolate terms involving x x :

x=3 -x = 3

Step 3: Solve for x x by multiplying both sides by -1:

x=3 x = -3

Thus, the solution to the equation is x=3 x = -3 .

Answer

3-