Expert: Lynn Houston - 11/14/2008

Question
How do I explain to my daughter the steps in solving this fraction equation.

g+1 3/4=5 5/12-3 1/2

Answer
Before I can answer, I need to know the actual problem.  Is the eq (g+1)(3/4) = (5 5/12) - (3 1/2) or g + (1 3/4) = (5 5/12) - (3 1/2) .  I'm going to assume it's the later.  If that's the case, the first step is to get rid of the mixed fractions.  To do that, multiply the whole number times the denominator and add the numerator.  That gives you:
g + 7/4 = (65/12) - (7/2).  Next, you need to make all the denominators the same.  In this case, the lowest common denominator is 12.  To make all the fractions 12ths, divide 12 by each denominator and multiply that number by the numerator.  That gives you:
g + 21/12 = (65/12) - (42/12).  Now, you can do the math on the right side of the equation by subtracting numerators, giving you:
g + 21/12 = 23/12.  In order to get the g by itself, you need to subtract 21/12 from both sides of the eq.
g + 21/12 - 21/12 = 23/12 - 21/12
g = 2/12.  Reducing, gives you g = 1/6.

Hope this helps.