Solve the equation w−5 2/5=3 1/4

1 answer

To solve the equation, we need to make sure that both sides have the same denominator. Let's convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions:

w - 5 2/5 = 3 1/4

To convert 5 2/5 into an improper fraction:

(5 * 5 + 2)/5 = 27/5

To convert 3 1/4 into an improper fraction:

(3 * 4 + 1)/4 = 13/4

Now our equation becomes:

w - 27/5 = 13/4

To eliminate the fraction, we can multiply the entire equation by the least common multiple (LCM) of 5 and 4, which is 20:

20(w - 27/5) = 20(13/4)

20w - (20 * 27)/5 = (20 * 13)/4

20w - 540/5 = 260/4

Simplifying the equation:

20w - 108 = 65

Adding 108 to both sides to isolate the variable:

20w = 65 + 108

20w = 173

Finally, divide both sides by 20 to solve for w:

w = 173/20

Hence, the solution to the equation w - 5 2/5 = 3 1/4 is w = 173/20.