Word problems that lead to equations with fractions

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WORD PROBLEMS

THAT LEAD TO

EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS

2nd Level

Same time problem

Job problem

HERE ARE SOME WORD PROBLEMS that lead to equations with fractions.

Example 1. Half of a number, added to a fifth of three less than the number, is equal to two thirds the number. What is the number?

Solution. As always, let x answer the question; let x be that number.

Algebraically, we express "half of a number" as

x
2

. Similarly, a

third of a number will be

x
3

. And so on.

Here is the equation:

x
2

x − 3
5

2
3

The LCM of denominators is 30. And upon clearing of fractions, we have

15x + 6(x − 3)	=	20x

15x + 6x − 18	=	20x

21x − 20x	=	18

x	=	18

Example 2. This problem is from a classical Hindu text on algebra from the 9th century.

During an amorous struggle, the lady's pearls broke. Half of the pearls fell onto the floor; a fourth rolled under a chair; a sixth fell into her lap; and three pearls remained on the strand. How many were there originally on the strand?

Solution. Let x be that total number. And let us account for them all.

First, we will clear the equation of fractions. The LCM of 2, 4, and 6 is 12. We will multiply every term by 12, and cancel the denominators:

x	=	x 2	+	x 4	+	x 6	+ 3

12x	=	6x + 3x + 2x + 36

12x	=	11x + 36

12x − 11x	=	36

x	=	36

There were originally 36 pearls on the strand.

Example 3. One number is three times another. The sum of their reciprocals is 4. What are the two numbers?

Solution. Let x be the first number. Then the other is three times that: 3x. The problem states that the sum of their reciprocals is 4:

	1 x	+	1 3x	=	4

Clear of fractions. The LCM is 3x:

	3 + 1			=	3x· 4

That is,

	12x			=	4

	x			=	4 12

				=	1 3

1
3

is the first number. The other number is 3·

1
3

= 1.

(Note that the sum of their reciprocals -- 3 + 1 -- does equal 4.)

Problem 1. Half of a number added to its third part, is eight less than the number. What is the number?

To see the equation, pass your mouse over the colored area.
To cover the answer again, click "Refresh" ("Reload").
But do the problem yourself first!
In every case, let x answer the question.

The equation is:

	x 2	+	x 3	=	x − 8

The LCM is 6. Here is the cleared equation and its solution:

	3x + 2x			=	6x − 48

	5x − 6x			=	−48

	−x			=	−48

	x			=	48

Problem 2. Three fifths of a number, plus 8, is equal to the number. What is the number?

Here is the equation:

	3 5	x +	8	=	x

The LCM is 5. Here is the cleared equation and its solution:

	3x + 40			=	5x

	3x − 5x			=	−40

	−2x			=	−40

	x			=	20

Problem 3. Half of a number, plus a fifth of two less than the number, is four less than the number. What is the number?

Here is the equation:

	x 2	+	x − 2 5	=	x − 4

The LCM is 10. Here is the cleared equation and its solution:

	5x + 2x − 4			=	10x − 40

	7x − 10x			=	−40 + 4

	−3x			=	−36

	x			=	12

Problem 4. Melissa went shopping and spent half of her money on shoes, a third on a blouse, a tenth to take her boyfriend to lunch, and she came home with $12. How much did she start out with?

Here is the equation: