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Solve Equations with Fractions

In this worksheet, students will solve equations with fractions.

'Solve Equations with Fractions' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 3

Year:  Year 9 Maths worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Algebra

Curriculum subtopic:   Understand Expressions, Equations, Inequalities, Terms and Factors

Popular topics:   Algebra worksheets

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

There are several ways to solve equations with fractions. 

The easiest way is to multiply the whole equation by the denominator (bottom part) of the fraction.  This will eliminate the fraction and the equation can then be solved normally.

 

Example

Solve the following equation for a:

 

5a + 3 = 19
2

 

Answer

 

5a + 3 = 19
2

 

Multiply both sides by the denominator 2:

 

2 × 5a + 3 = 2 × 19
  2

 

The 2s cancel out on the left-hand side and we get 2 x 19 on the right-hand side:

  

2 × 5a + 3 = 2 × 19
  2

 

Simplify:

5a + 3 = 38

 

Subtract 3 from both sides:

5a + 3 - 3 = 38  - 3

 

Simplify:

5a = 35

 

Divide both sides by 5:

5a ÷ 5 = 35 ÷ 5

 

Simplify

a = 7

 

Let's practise this in the following questions.

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