Question

Find the value of x in the equation x⁄ 4 + x⁄14 + x⁄17 = 71

Answer 1

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer:

33769/181

Discussion:

Each term contains "x" so factoring it out gives

x( 1/4 + 1/14 + 1/17)  = 71       (*)

Use common factor (17*14*4  = 952) as the denominator to combine terms:

1/4 =  (17*14)/ 952  = 238/952

1/14 = (17*4)/952 = 68/952

1/17 = (14*4)/952  = 56/952

so 1/4 + 1/14 + 1/17 =    (238 + 68 + 56)/ 952 =  362/952 = 181/476

Substituting in (*) gives

x ( 181/476)  = 71                       => multiply both sides by 476/181

x = (71 * 476)/181                       => 71* 476 =33769

x = 33769/181

Thank you,

MrB