Question

1/2a-5=1/3a-1 please show me how to set this problem up and solve it

Answer 1

1. Multiply both sides of Eq. by 6.
2.Subtract 2a from both sides of Eq.
3. Add 30 to each side of Eq.
4. Solve for a.

Answer 2

For this type of problem, try to get just the variable on one side and just the numbers on the other side.
(1/2)a - 5 = (1/3)a - 1
Add 5 to both sides to get rid of the number on the left.
(1/2)a - 5 + 5 = (1/3)a - 1 + 5
combining...
(1/2)a = (1/3)a + 4
Now subtract (1/3)a from both sides to get rid of the variable on the right side:
(1/2)a - (1/3)a = (1/3)a - (1/3)a + 4
using a common denominator of 6...
(3/6)a - (2/6)a = 4
combining...
(1/6)a = 4
multiply both sides by 6
a = 24
Substitute 24 for a in the original problem to check.

Answer 3

I know both tutors above solved the problem correctly according to the way you typed it, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you meant to type

1/(2a-5) = 1/(3a-1)
cross-multiply to get
3a - 1 = 2a - 5
a = -4

if the equation is as you typed it, then ignore my reply.