# Thread: Some basic math questions

1. ## Some basic math questions

So I've just started working with algebra for the first time ever, and naturally have a lot to learn about it. So figured instead of spamming the algebra section with threads I'd just ask for algebra help in this one thread.

My first problem is doing linear equations with fractions, I can do some basic ones but I can't get the proper answers for these few-

$2/3x-1 = 3/7$ (x should somehow equal 17/9)

$2(x - 1)/3 - x+4/2 = 5/6$ (x should somehow equal 21)

$x+1/2x-1 = 3/4$ (x should somehow equal 7/2)

I tried doing these myself but none of my answers coincide with the actual answers

2. For 1 - remember that a/b = c/d => ad = bc. Thus,
1. $\frac{2}{3x-1} = \frac{3}{7}
$

$(2)(7) = 3(3x-1)
$

Can you solve it from here? Remember the distributive property.

2. For this one, you want to get rid of the denominators. So find the LCM and multiply EVERY term in the equation by it.
In this case, it is 6, so you get 2[2(x+1)] - 6x + 12 = 5. Now you can simplify this like a simple equation.

3. Originally Posted by Lord Voldemort
For 1 - remember that a/b = c/d => ad = bc. Thus,
1. $\frac{2}{3x-1} = \frac{3}{7}
$

$(2)(7) = 3(3x-1)
$

Can you solve it from here? Remember the distributive property.

2. For this one, you want to get rid of the denominators. So find the LCM and multiply EVERY term in the equation by it.
In this case, it is 6, so you get 2[2(x+1)] - 6x + 12 = 5. Now you can simplify this like a simple equation.
Thanks for answering. I figure in the first one you're referring to rules of proportions? If so how would I answer the same equation had another several fractions been in the equation?

4. Originally Posted by NewtoMath
$2/3x-1 = 3/7$ (x should somehow equal 17/9)
Please use brackets: 2 / (3x - 1) = 3/7;
without brackets, left side means 2/3(x) - 1.

Your other two also need bracketing...

5. Originally Posted by Wilmer
Please use brackets: 2 / (3x - 1) = 3/7;
without brackets, left side means 2/3(x) - 1.

Your other two also need bracketing...
Thanks I'll keep that in mind...