In this lesson, you will learn to solve equations containing fractions. The goal when you are solving equations with fractions is no different than when working with other types of numbers – isolate the variable on one side of the equation.
Example 1
Solve equations by adding or subtracting:
Example 2
Solve equations by multiplying or dividing:
Fraction equations often call upon the Multiplicative Inverse Property
| Multiplicative Inverse Property | ||
|---|---|---|
| Words | Numbers | Algebra |
| The product of a nonzero number and its reciprocal is one. |  |
 |
Investigate
Erin needs 
cup of detergent for her laundry. She has 
cup of detergent in the bottle. Write and solve an equation to find out how much detergent she will have left in the box.
Strategy
Summarize the problem, using only key words or phrases.
Erin has cup of detergent and needs cup. How much will remain?
Next, translate the words into math. Use a variable to represent the remaining amount of detergent.
Total Detergent is the amount needed for laundry and the amount left
= 
+ d
Solution
(source)