You are here:

Algebra/Algebra Fractional Coefficients w/ multistep equate

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/16/2009


Question
Hello would you please explain in detailed steps on solving this:

4m/5  + 2m/3 = 5
Thank you

Answer
Take 4m/5  + 2m/3 = 5 and multiply by 3 and 5, so multiply by 15.
That is, 15*4m/5 + 15*2m/3 = 5*15.

In the 1st expression, 15/5 = 3, and 3*4 = 12, so it is 12m.
In the 2nd expression, 15/3 = 5, and 5*2 = 10, so it is 10m.
On the far side, 5*15=75.

We then have 12m + 10m = 75.
That is the same as 22m = 75, so m = 75/22.

300/110 + 150/66 = 180/66 + 150/66 = 330/66 = 5.
Yeah, that checks.

Algebra

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Scott A Wilson

Expertise

Any algebraic question you've got, like linear, quadratic, exponential, etc.

Experience

solving story problems solving linear, parabolic, and 3rd order equations solving equations with multiple variables

Publications
documents at Boeing

Education/Credentials
MS at math OSU in mathematics at OSU BS at OSU in mathematical sciences (math, statistics, computer science)

Awards and Honors
both BS and MS degrees were given with honors

Past/Present Clients
students from all over since the 80's; over 1,000 in algebra

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.