Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Determine the lowest common multiple for the entire equation. For example, in an equation such as (x+2)/6=2 the lowest common multiple is 6 as its on the bottom of the fraction on the left hand side of the equal sign. For an equation such as (x+2)/6 + (x+3)/3 = 12, the lowest common multiple would be 6 as 6 is a multiplier of the denominator of both fractions.
2

Multiply the expressions on both sides of equal sign by the lowest common multiple. Using the example on Step 1 for (x+2)/6=2, this means multiplying both sides of the equation by 6/1 or 6. This will give you the equation 6(x+2)/6=(2)6
3

Cancel out numbers on the top and bottom of the fraction and multiply all numbers to simplify the equation. Numbers on the top of a fraction can cancel out to form whole numbers as long as the denominator is a multiple of the numerator (the number on top). For example, 6/6 would equal 1 because 6 divided by 6 equals 1; 12/6 would equal 2, 18/6 would equal 3. Using the equation we have been working on, we find that the 6 on the top and bottom of the equation cancels out, leaving 1.
4

Finish the problem. The equation will now read (x+2)=12. Subtract 2 from each side to receive the answer, x=10.