Question

solve the equation. if you get stuck, try using a diagram.
$5x + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{61}{4}$
$x = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Subtract $\frac{1}{4}$ from both sides

To isolate the term with \( x \), we subtract \(\frac{1}{4}\) from both sides of the equation \( 5x + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{61}{4} \). This gives us \( 5x + \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{61}{4} - \frac{1}{4} \). Simplifying both sides, the \(\frac{1}{4}\) terms on the left cancel out, and on the right we have \(\frac{61 - 1}{4}=\frac{60}{4}\). So now the equation is \( 5x = \frac{60}{4} \).

Step2: Simplify the right side

Simplify \(\frac{60}{4}\) to get \( 15 \). So now our equation is \( 5x = 15 \).

Step3: Divide both sides by 5

To solve for \( x \), we divide both sides of the equation \( 5x = 15 \) by \( 5 \). This gives us \( \frac{5x}{5}=\frac{15}{5} \). Simplifying both sides, we get \( x = 3 \).

Answer:

\( 3 \)