My Math Forum Hard Fraction problem

 Elementary Math Fractions, Percentages, Word Problems, Equations, Inequations, Factorization, Expansion

 October 2nd, 2016, 02:47 PM #11 Newbie   Joined: Sep 2016 From: USA Posts: 14 Thanks: 3 Ahh I see. For a moment I actually forgot what v8archie meant by the sum of 1/x + 1/y. I overestimated the problem too and was thinking too advanced. That's a fair point.
 October 2nd, 2016, 03:06 PM #12 Senior Member   Joined: Aug 2016 From: morocco Posts: 273 Thanks: 32 $\frac{5}{4}=\frac{x+y}{xy}=\frac{x}{xy}+\frac{y}{ xy}=\frac{1}{y}+\frac{1}{x}$
 October 2nd, 2016, 03:41 PM #13 Math Team   Joined: Dec 2013 From: Colombia Posts: 6,777 Thanks: 2194 Math Focus: Mainly analysis and algebra That's wrong and backwards. Rather than trying to be clever, just do the sum!
October 2nd, 2016, 03:51 PM   #14
Newbie

Joined: Oct 2016
From: United States

Posts: 2
Thanks: 0

Quote:
 Originally Posted by v8archie That's wrong and backwards. Rather than trying to be clever, just do the sum!
I'm confused as to what you mean. Can you elaborate?

October 2nd, 2016, 04:02 PM   #15
Newbie

Joined: Oct 2016
From: USA

Posts: 7
Thanks: 0

Quote:
 Originally Posted by IamHere I'm confused as to what you mean. Can you elaborate?
The steps to solve are reversed, and the result is inverted.

I think this is how you "do the sum":
$\displaystyle \frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{y}$
Find a common denominator and multiply each fraction by 1
$\displaystyle \frac{y}{y}\cdot\frac{1}{x}+\frac{x}{x}\cdot\frac{ 1}{y}$
$\displaystyle \frac{y}{xy}+\frac{x}{xy}$
$\displaystyle \frac{x+y}{xy}$
Substitute
$\displaystyle \frac{4}{5}$

 October 2nd, 2016, 04:06 PM #16 Math Team   Joined: Dec 2013 From: Colombia Posts: 6,777 Thanks: 2194 Math Focus: Mainly analysis and algebra You have been learning how to add fractions? So add $\frac1x + \frac1y$. I don't know what method you've been taught for that, so I prefer not to say how in case I confuse you (edrudathec gives one approach above, another involves "cross-multiplying"). But your denominator will be the product of the denominators of the two summands: $x \times y$. When you have found the sum of the two fractions, you will be able to see how to use the values you've been given. Last edited by v8archie; October 2nd, 2016 at 04:08 PM.
 October 2nd, 2016, 05:26 PM #17 Math Team   Joined: Dec 2013 From: Colombia Posts: 6,777 Thanks: 2194 Math Focus: Mainly analysis and algebra Perhaps I should mention that the general rule with any mathematics problem you face is that you should start by thinking "what do I know how to do" with the problem. The answer should never be "nothing". The key to mathematics is to try things to see if they help. Sometimes, experience tells you that one approach is more likely to work than another, but it doesn't really matter. Mathematics is not about seeing what the answer is and writing it down. Mathematics is about recognising patterns, but also about playing with things. Try something. If it doesn't work, try something else. In this case, you are given two equations which you, quite reasonably, may not know what to do with. You might try something with them, but you will be likely to quickly reach a point that you can go no further (or you might follow GeoLifeScienceGuy's route and get somewhere that way). But, if you've been studying how to add fractions, it's quite likely that you can get to the solution by adding the fractions you've been given. Even if you don't yet see how that will help, it doesn't hurt to try it and see what you are left with. Thanks from greg1313
 October 2nd, 2016, 07:04 PM #18 Math Team   Joined: Oct 2011 From: Ottawa Ontario, Canada Posts: 9,390 Thanks: 638
 October 2nd, 2016, 07:16 PM #19 Global Moderator     Joined: Oct 2008 From: London, Ontario, Canada - The Forest City Posts: 7,488 Thanks: 887 Math Focus: Elementary mathematics and beyond
 October 2nd, 2016, 07:29 PM #20 Math Team   Joined: Oct 2011 From: Ottawa Ontario, Canada Posts: 9,390 Thanks: 638 Greg, I was trying to "lengthen" this useless thread

 Tags fraction, hard, problem

 Thread Tools Display Modes Linear Mode

 Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post Lilred Elementary Math 3 February 1st, 2016 07:07 PM shunya Elementary Math 5 December 29th, 2015 10:43 AM matisolla Algebra 5 June 4th, 2015 05:59 PM sharp Elementary Math 9 September 25th, 2010 10:31 PM clayson Elementary Math 1 October 4th, 2009 06:15 AM

 Contact - Home - Forums - Cryptocurrency Forum - Top