Multiplying Both Sides by k

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 63 views

Solving for k in the Equation: -125 = -5/k

In this article, we will delve into solving for the variable k in the given equation: -125 = -5/k. This equation involves a fraction and a variable in the denominator, making it a bit more complex than a standard linear equation. We will use algebraic techniques to isolate the variable k and find its value.

The given equation is -125 = -5/k. To solve for k, we need to get rid of the fraction and isolate the variable. The first step is to multiply both sides of the equation by k, which will eliminate the fraction.

Multiplying Both Sides by k

Multiplying both sides of the equation by k gives us:

-125k = -5

Now that we have eliminated the fraction, we can isolate the variable k by dividing both sides of the equation by -125.

Dividing Both Sides by -125

Dividing both sides of the equation by -125 gives us:

k = -5 / -125

To simplify the expression, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 5.

Simplifying the Fraction

Simplifying the fraction gives us:

k = 1/25

In this article, we have solved for the variable k in the equation -125 = -5/k. We used algebraic techniques to isolate the variable and find its value. The final answer is k = 1/25.

When solving equations with fractions, it's essential to remember to multiply both sides of the equation by the denominator to eliminate the fraction. This will help you isolate the variable and find its value.

When solving equations with fractions, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Not multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator: This will leave the fraction in the equation and make it difficult to isolate the variable.
Not simplifying the expression: Failing to simplify the expression can lead to incorrect answers.
Not checking the solution: Always check your solution to ensure that it satisfies the original equation.

Solving equations with fractions has many real-world applications. Here are a few examples:

Finance: When calculating interest rates or investment returns, fractions are often used to represent the rate of return.
Science: In physics and chemistry, fractions are used to represent the concentration of a solution or the rate of a chemical reaction.
Engineering: In engineering, fractions are used to represent the ratio of different components in a system.

In conclusion, solving for k in the equation -125 = -5/k requires algebraic techniques and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can isolate the variable and find its value. Remember to multiply both sides of the equation by the denominator, simplify the expression, and check your solution to ensure that it satisfies the original equation.
Solving for k in the Equation: -125 = -5/k - Q&A

In our previous article, we solved for the variable k in the equation -125 = -5/k. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about solving equations with fractions.

Q: What is the first step in solving an equation with a fraction?

A: The first step in solving an equation with a fraction is to multiply both sides of the equation by the denominator. This will eliminate the fraction and make it easier to isolate the variable.

Q: How do I simplify a fraction?

A: To simplify a fraction, you need to divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, if you have the fraction 12/16, you can simplify it by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 4, which gives you 3/4.

Q: What is the difference between a variable and a constant?

A: A variable is a letter or symbol that represents a value that can change. A constant is a value that does not change. In the equation -125 = -5/k, k is a variable because its value can change, while -125 and -5 are constants because their values do not change.

Q: How do I check my solution to an equation with a fraction?

A: To check your solution to an equation with a fraction, you need to plug the value of the variable back into the original equation and see if it is true. For example, if you solve for k in the equation -125 = -5/k and get k = 1/25, you can plug this value back into the original equation to check if it is true.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving equations with fractions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving equations with fractions include:

Not multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator
Not simplifying the expression
Not checking the solution

Q: How do I apply the concept of solving equations with fractions to real-world problems?

A: The concept of solving equations with fractions can be applied to many real-world problems, such as:

Finance: When calculating interest rates or investment returns, fractions are often used to represent the rate of return.
Science: In physics and chemistry, fractions are used to represent the concentration of a solution or the rate of a chemical reaction.
Engineering: In engineering, fractions are used to represent the ratio of different components in a system.

Q: What are some tips for solving equations with fractions?

A: Some tips for solving equations with fractions include:

Always multiply both sides of the equation by the denominator
Simplify the expression as much as possible
Check your solution to ensure that it satisfies the original equation

In conclusion, solving for k in the equation -125 = -5/k requires algebraic techniques and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you can solve equations with fractions and apply the concept to real-world problems.

If you need additional help with solving equations with fractions, here are some additional resources:

Online tutorials and videos
Math textbooks and workbooks
Online math communities and forums

Solving equations with fractions is an essential skill in mathematics and has many real-world applications. By following the steps outlined in this article and practicing with different types of equations, you can become proficient in solving equations with fractions and apply the concept to a wide range of problems.