Simplifying Rational Expressions: 1/9(2x-36)+1/3x
In this article, we will explore how to simplify the rational expression 1/9(2x-36)+1/3x.
Step 1: Follow the Order of Operations
To simplify the expression, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):
- Evaluate the expression inside the parentheses: 2x-36
- Multiply the result by 1/9
- Add 1/3x to the result
Step 2: Simplify the Expression
Let's start by evaluating the expression inside the parentheses:
2x - 36 = 2x - 36
Next, multiply the result by 1/9:
(2x - 36) × 1/9 = (2x/9) - 4
Now, add 1/3x to the result:
(2x/9) - 4 + 1/3x
Step 3: Combine Like Terms
To simplify the expression further, we need to combine like terms. In this case, we have two terms with the variable x:
(2x/9) + (1/3)x
To add these terms, we need to find a common denominator, which is 9. We can rewrite the second term as:
(3x/9)
Now, we can add the two terms:
(2x/9) + (3x/9) = (5x/9)
Step 4: Simplify the Constant Term
The constant term is -4, which cannot be simplified further.
The Simplified Expression
The simplified expression is:
(5x/9) - 4
In conclusion, the simplified form of the rational expression 1/9(2x-36)+1/3x is (5x/9) - 4.