Question

I might know the answer but mehnoknow. I will draw out the fractions

What is the value of z for the equation fraction 1 over 3z = −fraction 5 over 6 + fraction 1 over 6z?

5
2
−2
−5

Answer 1

Let's see you draw out the fractions and write the entire equation symbolically after having done so. Note that while this is a legitimate approach, it is by no means the only one.

Answer 2

You see, the problem with the word phrase: "fraction 1 over 3z" is that it could mean two different things:

1/(3•z) or (1/3)•z.

These two^ expessions have two very different numerical meanings when you sub in values for z.

That is why learning how to translate words into symbols is so important in algebra :-)