solve the linear equation for x and y: (5/9)x - 1/5 = y/6 + 8/15

[Chuckaroo]

5 1 y 8
/x - / = / + /
9 5 6 15

Really struggling with the above, if someone could help out with how you do it I'd be really appreciative!

I've also attached a JPEG if the above isn't clear.

 

[Dr.Peterson]

5 1 y 8
/x - / = / + /
9 5 6 15

Really struggling with the above, if someone could help out with how you do it I'd be really appreciative!

I've also attached a JPEG if the above isn't clear.

By "solve", do you mean "solve for y"? That has to be specified.

A standard way to write the equation in text is

(5/9)x - (1/5) = (y/6) + (8/15)

A standard way to begin solving, which avoids having to struggle (too much) with fractions is to find the LCD of all the fractions, and multiply every term by that. Then you can cancel all the denominators, and end up with an equation with only integers, which should look more familiar. See the last example here.

In your case, the LCD is 90, so you will do this:

90(5/9)x - 90(1/5) = 90(y/6) + 90(8/15)

Can you simplify now?