Algebra Demystified 2nd Ed

194 algebra De mystif ieD

9. −−−− +=−+
   −++−=− +
   −+=−

43 2658

12 8658

11 25

()xx()x

xx x

xx++

++

−+=

−−

−=

−

−

=

−

=−

8

55

628

22

66

6

6

6

6

1

xx

x

x

x

x

When we are given an equation having fractions in it, we can “clear the

fractions” in the first step. Of course, the solution might be a fraction, but that

fraction will not occur until the last step. To clear the fractions, we find the

LCD of all fractions and multiply both sides of the equation by this num-

ber. Once we distribute this quantity on each side of the equation, every

denominator will be 1.

EXAMPLES

Solve the equation by first clearing the fraction(s).

4

5

x+=− (^14)
The LCD is 5, so we multiply each side of the equation by 5.
4
5
14
54
5
154
5 4
5
51 20
x
x
x
+=−

• 
  
  
  =−
  ⋅+=−
  ()
  ()
  EXAMPLES
  Solve the equation by first clearing the fraction(s).
  EXAMPLES
  Solve the equation by first clearing the fraction(s).