This video is all about how to calculate the value of x in algebraic fractions.
Solve:
5/(x+1) – 3/2(x+1) = 1/2
The question is aimed at around grade 7+ GCSE maths.
Top Tips!
- Always work down the page, with the equals sign in the middle
- Show each stage of your calculation
- Learn to read right to left … sometimes it’s easier to keep the value of x on the right hand side of an equation
- Try to keep a positive value of x
- Is your answer reasonable?
- If you have time, can you subsitute the value of x and make sure that the equation balances?
These types of algebraic fractions questions appear in all the main examination boards, including Edexcel, AQA and OCR. They are popular and, once you have the basic principles, fairly similar. Please do stop the video, try the question and compare your solution!
Here’s some additional posts if you would like more detail and practice questions.
Simplify an algebra fraction using factorising
Expand brackets and simplify mid-level GCSE maths algebra
Here’s a playlist with some more examples
Please do leave a comment below if you are not sure. Alternately you can view my YouTube channel and leave a comment there – I’ll always try to respond as quickly as possible.