Please explain how to get the answer.

At the animal shelter, 1/3 of the animals are dogs, 2/12 are cats, and 19 are other animals. How many animals are at the shelter?

I said 1/3x + 2/12x + 19 =
4/12x + 2/12x = 19=
6/12x = 19
1/2x = 19
x =

2 answers

Your first equation is incomplete, but if you make the final step, your answer will be correct.

1/3x + 2/12x + 19 = x OR

19 = x - 1/3x - 2/12x

19 = x - 2/6x - 1/6x

19 = x - 1/2x = 1/2x

38 = x
How does a 4th grader draw a picture to support this answer?