Thread: simplify

Im not sure why I'm struggling with this but I just need confirmation on something. The problem is asking me that if 4(x/8)+x/8 is simplified to 4x/A, what is A? So do I multiply 4 times x and then 4 times 8. or is it considered 1/8? Im confused.

simplyfy this down

4x/8 +x/8 = 4x/A

so multiply both sides by 8

4x + x = 32x/A

A = 32x/5x =32/5 = 6.4

are you sure you got that right?

what you have: 4(x/8) + (x/8) gives 5*(x/8)

if you need of the form 4x/A with a unknown then, multiply the num and denom by 4/5 and you get A = 32/5 if im doing this in my head right.


i fail to see the point of this problem though...

Originally Posted by jemadd2

Im not sure why I'm struggling with this but I just need confirmation on something. The problem is asking me that if 4(x/8)+x/8 is simplified to 4x/A, what is A? So do I multiply 4 times x and then 4 times 8. or is it considered 1/8? I’m confused.

My answer above is one way of working it out, but now I see what you are having problems with

4(x/8) is the same as (4x/8) is the same as 4x(1/8)

when you multiply a fraction by a whole number, you multiply the tops

a(b/c) = ab/c

just think of the simpler fractions: 2 times 1/4 = 2/4 (1/2), then you will remember this rule.