Multi-Step Equations Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
Solve x+12−x−34=3\frac{x+1}{2} - \frac{x-3}{4} = 3.

Solution

  1. 1
    Multiply every term by 4 (LCD): 2(x+1)−(x−3)=122(x+1) - (x-3) = 12.
  2. 2
    Distribute: 2x+2−x+3=122x + 2 - x + 3 = 12.
  3. 3
    Combine: x+5=12x + 5 = 12, so x=7x = 7.
  4. 4
    Check: 82−44=4−1=3\frac{8}{2} - \frac{4}{4} = 4 - 1 = 3 ✓

Answer

x=7x = 7
When an equation has fractions, multiply both sides by the LCD to clear all denominators before solving.

About Multi-Step Equations

Solving equations that require more than one inverse operation—typically involving distributing, combining like terms, and moving variables to one side before isolating the variable.

Learn more about Multi-Step Equations →

More Multi-Step Equations Examples

Example 1 easy

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Example 3 easy

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Example 4 hard

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