Question

w/4 + 4x - 1/5 = 1/8
I need help solving this

Answer 1

Are you solving for x?

Answer 2

I think so...Not quite sure...let me check to see if it tells me.

Answer 3

When solving a rational equation the first step that we must always take would be to make sure that you convert the equation to an equation without denominators. This is the explanation I got.

Answer 4

OK that makes sense, but it still doesn't tell us whether we should solve for x or w. Or are we just supposed to convert the equation and not solve anything? Any more hints in your instructions?

Answer 5

That is all I got..I get so frustrated. I guess we have to find the problems in this and address them so they know what they are

Answer 6

Shall we try solving for x then?

Answer 7

I guess...just so you know...to give a heads up..I am horrible at this stuff...I get so confused

Answer 8

No problem, I'll try my best to help you understand :)

Answer 9

Thank you so much

Answer 10

Do you have a guess as to how to start, or should I show the first step?

Answer 11

This week is a confusing week for me...just as I get the hang of things I get confused then frustrated...

Answer 12

ok so scratch that question...

Answer 13

That's ok, it happens to all of us. The first thing we need to do is find the Least Common Denominator (the LCD). Do you know how to do that

Answer 14

I have one that I did, but he wants the original rational equation of this


10 + 4(x – 2) = 5(x)
10 + 4x – 8 = 5x
4x + 2 = 5x
2 = x or x= 2

Answer 15

I thought I had did this...and that this answer was it...apparently not....lol

Answer 16

Hang on, I'm confused. Does this have anything to do with the first problem you posted or have we moved on?

Answer 17

moved on...I just asked one of the girls in my class by text and she said not to worry about the first one...fix the stuff we did wrong individually...sorry

Answer 18

OK. So he wants the original rational equation of 10+4(x-2)=5x?

Answer 19

yes

Answer 20

I thought I had done this..with all the work I did...not so much he said

Answer 21

Well, a rational equation is an equation that has fractions in it. I think he wanted you to manipulate the equation he gave to look like one. Instead, what you did was solve for x. More coming...

Answer 22

ok see now I am getting confused...

Answer 23

What I think you have to do is distribute the 4 like you did so that you get 10+4x-8=5x, then divide both sides of the equation by 40 to get a rational equation

Answer 24

Can you maybe tell me more about what you're confused about in specific?

Answer 25

most of it....I am just not a math person at all....not sure why it never clicked for me.

Answer 26

I hate the fact I have to ask for help...

Answer 27

Don't worry about it. Math is chalenging and everyone struggles with it. Plus, it's confusing when you're being tutored online

Answer 28

Back to the problem...

Answer 29

sure...I will be checking in a few at a time..I have 2 very sick little girls...sorry if I do not respond right away...
I will be back if not:)

Answer 30

So, a rational equation is an equation that has fractions in it. Like this one (just a random example): x/2+1=x/8

Answer 31

We want to make the equation you were given look something like that.

Answer 32

According to your instructions anyway

Answer 33

So here's what I would do. Take the equation 10 + 4(x – 2) = 5(x)

Answer 34

Sorry...

Answer 35

Step 1. Find the least common multiple of 10, 4, and 5. It is 20 because 20 is the smallest number that can divide evenly into 10, 4, and 5

Answer 36

No problem

Answer 37

Step 2. Divide every term in the equation by 20. It will look like this:
10/20 + 4(x – 2)/20 = 5(x)/20

Answer 38

Step 3. Simplify the fractions. It will look like this:
1/2+(x-2)/5=x/4

Answer 39

And this looks like a rational equation, so I believe this is what your teacher wants

Answer 40

Thank you so much!! I think I understand this better:) Your great!

Answer 41

You're welcome. :) So glad I could help. I'm kinda new to this online tutoring thing, so I was nervous.

Answer 42

Do you have other questions or more questions about this problem?

Answer 43

no...thank you so much:)

Answer 44

You're welcome :)