1. Algebra 1 Glencoe McGraw-Hill Malinda Young
Clearing Equations Of Fractions & More Complicated Equations
Algebra Glencoe McGraw-Hill Malinda Young

2. Sometimes equations contain several fractions, which can make them look complicated to solve. When that happens, the best plan is to clear out the fractions first, then solve in the normal manner.
To clear an equation of its fractions, look at the denominators. Find the least common multiple of the denominators, then multiply all terms of the equation by that LCM.

3. Arithmetic is easy! Do mental math to check the solution of 6.
Take a look at the two denominators. What is the least common multiple of 3 and 2?
Enclose ALL terms of the equation in parentheses. Leave space in front of each term.
3. Multiply ALL terms of the equation by 6 to obtain an equivalent equation that has been cleared of all fractions. Continue to solve. 6 2 3
Arithmetic is easy! Do mental math to check the solution of 6.

4. Take a look at the two denominators
Take a look at the two denominators. What is the least common multiple of 5 and 2?
Enclose ALL terms of the equation in parentheses. Leave space in front of each term.
3. Multiply ALL terms of the equation by 10 to obtain an equivalent equation that has been cleared of all fractions. Continue to solve. 10 2 5
Check the solution!

5. What’s the least common multiple of 3, 5, & 4?60 20 12 15
It only takes a minute to check your solution. Be safe and be sure!

6. Solving More Equations
Try to keep the equal signs in a straight row as you solve from line to line. Your work will look organized.
Don’t forget! Combine like terms before moving variables from one side of the equation to the other.

7. Don’t forget! Combine like terms before moving variables from one side of the equation to the other.

8. Should this fraction be distributed or cleared first?
The fraction should be distributed. It’s easy to calculate one-seventh of both terms inside the parentheses.

9. This equation has a large number of negatives and subtraction signs
This equation has a large number of negatives and subtraction signs. In this case, it’s still best to change subtractions to “add the opposite” before distributing to avoid errors.