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    Kaykay09's Avatar
    Kaykay09 Posts: 14, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 22, 2009, 03:57 PM
    Algebra signed fractions
    Okay so just starting algebra this year, and came upon the question: x + 4/7 = 3/8

    and the answer is - 11/56... where did the negative come from? And why is it negative and not posotive? Please help!! And remember I'm only starting algebra please explain in simplest terms possible
    Sprung09's Avatar
    Sprung09 Posts: 71, Reputation: 4
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    #2

    Oct 22, 2009, 04:01 PM

    Try thinking about it knowing what relation the 56 has with the 7 and 8? Then think about creating common denominators for all the fractions from there? Let me know if this gets you anywhere.
    Kaykay09's Avatar
    Kaykay09 Posts: 14, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 22, 2009, 04:11 PM

    I am able to find the answer OK, I just don't understand why it is a -(negative)... I don't see where the - sign fit in...
    Sprung09's Avatar
    Sprung09 Posts: 71, Reputation: 4
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    #4

    Oct 22, 2009, 04:14 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Kaykay09 View Post
    I am able to find the answer ok, I just don't understand why it is a -(negative)... I don't see where the - sign fit in....
    The answer fraction would be negative because when you change all the fractions to common denominators it would make the 4 and 3 greater than they are now. Making the fractions that they give you in the equation would creater greater fractions than the -11/56? Does this help at all?
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #5

    Oct 22, 2009, 07:39 PM

    x= 3/8 - 5/7 ; rewriting

    5/7 = ~.0.57
    ... (use Google as a calculator - just type 5/7 in the Google search bar)
    3/8= 0.375

    X ~= 0.375 - 0.57 ;3/8 is smaller than 5/7

    Now do you see where the negative sign comes from

    PS: That isn't the way to do the problem because of the aproximations.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #6

    Oct 22, 2009, 07:43 PM
    Hey, I have to own up to my reputation once and a while. You can't readily tell if one is bigger than the other one at this stage in development.
    Kaykay09's Avatar
    Kaykay09 Posts: 14, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Oct 24, 2009, 01:26 PM

    Wow! Thanks guys! Yeah those answers totally helped me out a lot... I get it now... since 3/8 is smaller than 4/7 that means that it would be a negative... gracias!
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #8

    Oct 24, 2009, 01:39 PM

    You can easily tell that when the common denominator is 8 * 7 or 56
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