X = -1/6

1) To solve the following problem, I made the equation as simple as possible by changing the subtracting and negative sign into a positive. The problem then looked like this: X + 5/6 = 2/3. Then I wanted to isolate or make the X stand alone, so I subtracted the opposite from each side using property of equality. After subtracting 5/6 from each side the two right on top of each other cancel out. Now, your equation reads: X = 2/3 – 5/6.

2) Next, you want to make the denominators the same so you can just subtract out the problem. You would then find the LCM of 3 and 6. In this case its 6, so you would see how many times 3 goes into 6 (2) and multiply by the numerator (2)& 2*2 = 4. Your final equation would be X = 4/6 – 5/6.

3) Then, you would simply subtract across leaving the denominator the same. The answer would then be –1/6 because 4 – 5 = -1 and you put it over the denominator.

4) Lastly, you must check your answer to make sure it’s correct. First, you write down the original problem. Then you fill in the variables with your answer. Calculate that problem out and if it equals the original answer it is correct.

5) I couldn’t find a way that this problem could relate to anything in our everyday life because of the negatives. I related it to a similar problem instead of the actual equation. You can use this type of problem while cooking or sewing. For example, X – 5/6 = 2/3…. How much material did I start out with if I used 5/6 of it and had 2/3 left over? or What is the total amount of milk I need if I already added 5/6 cups and still need to add 2/3 cups? Answer: 1 ½ cups