 George, nothing has changed with

equations. All our old rules still apply

except now we also are using rational
numbers.
 We still are going to do the opposite to
both sides of an equation like we
always have.
 To undo addition we do
 To undo subtraction we do
 To undo multiplication we do
 To undo division we do
 y – 12.5 = 17
 +12.5 = +12.5
 y = 29.5

 -2.7p = 10.8
 -2.7p = 10.8
 -2.7 -2.7
 p = -4
 it’s subtraction, so we
will add one-forth to both
sides

 find the LCD for 4

and 8 3 2
 8 is the LCD
 Multiplication is the
operation so we undo it with
division
 Remember what we learned. To divide
fractions1 we MULTIPLY by the
reciprocal.
1
 In 1668 the Hope diamond was reduced from
its original weight by carats to a
diamond weighing . How many carats
was the original diamond?
 Remember to try simple #’s first.
 In 1668 the Hope diamond was reduced from
its original weight by 20 carats to a diamond
weighing 50 carat. How many carats was
the original diamond?
 Write an equation……
 Original weight – amount cut = new weight
 w - 20 = 50
 Add 20 to both sides and w = 70. Original
weight = 70 carats
 Now do it with original problem

 change to improper
fractions

 undo subtraction with

addition
 Leftside cancels.
 Find LCD to add on right side

1074 721

 16 goes into 1795, 112 times with 3 left over

 So w =