How do you convert a fraction into a whole number?

Asked by eLenaLicious (822

) January 11th, 2010

I am doing a math worksheet regarding writing linear equations and I have to rewrite six equations in standard form which is Ax+Bx=C. A couple of rules for re-writing an equation into standard form is that Ax cannot be a fraction nor a negative number. Only a whole positive number.
My question is how to convert a fraction into a whole number so that I can solve the equations which involve a fraction. I am aware that if the fraction can be simplified (such as 9/3), it can become a whole number (3). I want to know how to convert a fraction which cannot be simplified into a whole number.
Thanks; and I am sorry about the lengthy explanation. I just want to be specific.

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5 Answers

multiply across everything by the reciprocal of the fraction you want to get rid of. this will leave 1.

jackm (6212

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Let’s say Ax = 17/23 and Bx = 5.
You change 5 to 115/23.
Now, drop the 23’s, and you have Ax = 17, and Bx = 115.

filmfann (52455

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Thank goodness the only thing I have to calculate anymore are my social security checks.
Good luck with your linear equations, @eLenaLicious.

Owl (726

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@jackm That would work, as long as it’s not a problem to have Bx be a fraction as a result of the operation. If you need both numbers to be whole, multiply the equation by the denominator of the fraction you want to get rid of. That is essentially what @filmfann was saying by “change 5 to 115/23”...that is the result of multiplying both Ax and Bx by 23, the denominator of the fraction. Make sense?

nope (1804

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@Owl haha thanks Owl xD can’t wait for that time in my life….

eLenaLicious (822

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