Equations with fractions, part 1 (8th grade math/algebra 1)

To solve (linear) equations with fractions, usually the best first step is to multiply the entire equation by the LCM of the denominators of the fractions.

First, I solve an example equation involving two fractions. Then we look at the difference between multiplying two similar linear expressions by 9: 4/9(x − 4) and (4/9)x − 4. This is important to master so you can solve equations with fractions.

Lastly you have the chance to find the error in the solution of an equation:

5/6(x − 6) = −2x + 8
5x − 36 = −12(x + 8)

What went wrong in the above?

See also

Age and coin word problems — video lesson

Math Mammoth Grade 8 curriculum

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