the sum of a number and 1/8 of the number is 54. Find the number.

Question

the sum of a number and 1/8 of the number is 54.  Find the number.

aum · Answer

Let the number be x
x + x/8 = 54
Solve for x.

anonymous · Answer

wha t is the first step?

aum · Answer

Factor x out of the left hand side:
x(1 + 1/8) = 54
Add 1 and 1/8.  What is 1 + 1/8?

anonymous · Answer

would it be x(11/8) =54

aum · Answer

No. 1 + 1/8 = (8+1)/8 = 9/8
x * 9/8 = 54
Isolate x.
multiply both sides by 8.
divide both sides by 9.

anonymous · Answer

Im not understanding this yet.  I am helping my brother with his math

aum · Answer

To add 1 and 1/8, find the least common denominator
1 can be written as 1/1 and to that add 1/8.  The denominators are 1 and 8 and the least common denominator is 8.
1/1 + 1/8 = 8/8 + 1/8 = 9/8
9/8 * x = 54
Isolate x. 
Multiply both sides by 8:
9 * x = 54 * 8
Divide both sides by 9:
x = 54 * 8 / 9 = ?