Expert: Scott A Wilson - 9/11/2009

Question
-1/6(x-18)+1/3(x+3)=x+34
How do i get rid of the fraction and how do I distribute it?

Answer
I will assume that the equation does not have the polynoimials in the denominator, i.e.,
it can rewritten as -(x-18)/6 + (x+3)/3 = x+34.
What to do is multilpy each term by 6.  That is, make the equation into
-6(x-18)/6 + 6(x+3)/3 = 6x + 6*34.  This become -(x+18) + 2(x+3) = 6x + 204.

The constants out front of the parenthesis can then be multiplied through.  This gives
-x + 18 + 2x + 6 = 6x + 204.

AFter that, combine the x terms, combine the constants, add x to both sides of the equation, and subtract 204 from both sides.  This will give you some constant = kx, so x = constant/k.