Combining like terms -
1/2x+2/4x=16+1/2 how would you combine this
assistance needed
1/2x+2/4x=16+1/2
x = 16 1/2
It would be clearer if you used parentheses.
(1/2)x + (2/4)x = 16+(1/2)
otherwise, we might think it was
[1/(2x)] + [2/(4x)] = 16+(1/2)
To combine like terms, you need to add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s). In this case, we have the variables x on both sides of the equation.
Let's start by simplifying the left side of the equation:
1/2x + 2/4x = (1/2 + 2/4)x
To add fractions with different denominators, we need to find a common denominator. The common denominator in this case is 4, so let's rewrite the fractions with that denominator:
(1/2 + 2/4)x = (2/4 + 2/4)x
Now, both fractions have the same denominator, so we can combine them by adding the numerators:
(2/4 + 2/4)x = (4/4)x
Simplifying further, we have:
(4/4)x = x
Now, let's simplify the right side of the equation:
16 + 1/2 = (32/2 + 1/2) = 33/2
Finally, the equation becomes:
x = 33/2
So, when combining like terms, the equation simplifies to x = 33/2.