Algebra 1a: Chapter 3, Lesson 6, page 139.
Clearing an Equation of Fractions or Decimals
In equations containing fractions, you can use the multiplication property to make the equation easier to solve. To clear the equation of fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denominator (LCD) of all the fractions in the equation. If you wish to clear the decimals in an equation, multiply both sides by the appropriate power of 10 OR move the decimal places to the left (or right as necessary) for ALL terms an equal amount (e.g., make sure you move them ALL 2 places to the left – obviously, this is the same as multiplying by 100).
Remember the steps to SOLVING EQUATIONS:
- Multiply both sides to clear fractions or decimals, if necessary.
- Distribute (whacky arrows) if you see parentheses.
- Collect (or combine) like terms on each side, if necessary.
- Use the addition property to move the variable to one side and all other terms to the other side of the equation.
- Collect like terms again, if necessary
- Add or subtract to isolate the variable and finally (you may have to do this twice!)
- Use the multiplication or division or reciprocal properties to solve for the variable.
Two of tonight’s homework problems solved by MrE are here! Just click it and here!