Lesson eLearning

Solve for x in the equation -5/6 x + 1/3 = -1/4.

hard 3 marks Class 7 · Mathematics · Rational Numbers
Answer
7/10

The correct answer is 7/10 — Simplify the product: (-7 * -6)/(12 * 5) = 42/60 = 7/10.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Move the 1/3 to the right side: -5/6 x = -1/4 - 1/3.
  2. Find a common denominator 12: -1/4 = -3/12, -1/3 = -4/12; their sum is -7/12.
  3. Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of -5/6, which is -6/5: x = (-7/12) * (-6/5).
  4. Simplify the product: (-7 * -6)/(12 * 5) = 42/60 = 7/10.
Common mistake: Ignoring the negative signs when moving terms or simplifying

Concept tested: Solving linear equations with rational coefficients

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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