Question

Translate and solve: The difference of n and 1/6 is 1/2.

Answer 1

Translating Words into Problems

We can translate a word equation into a mathematical equation by translating key words into operations.

• difference = subtract
• is = equals

Addinng Fractions

Whenever we need to add one fraction to another, we must find a common denominator, change both the fractions for their denominators to be the same, and then add the numerators. Finally, we reduce the fraction.

Solving the Question

We're given:

• The difference of n and $\dfrac{1}{6}$ is $\dfrac{1}{2}$.

Translate the given information into an equation:

⇒ $n-\dfrac{1}{6}=\dfrac{1}{2}$

Solve for n:

⇒ $n-\dfrac{1}{6}=\dfrac{1}{2}\\\\n=\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{6}\\\\n=\dfrac{3}{6}+\dfrac{1}{6}\\\\n=\dfrac{4}{6}\\\\n=\dfrac{2}{3}$

Answer

$n=\dfrac{2}{3}$