Question

Solve the equation. $$\frac{t}{-2}=\frac{1}{2}$$

Short answer

The solution to the given equation is t=-1

Step-by-step solution

Multiply both sides by -2

Multiplying both sides of the equation by -2 will eliminate the fraction on the left side, resulting in: -2*(\frac{t}{-2}) = -2*( \frac{1}{2}). This simplifies to: t = -1

Solution

After performing the multiplication, the solution for t is -1. Thus, the equation is solved with t = -1

Key concepts

Fractional Equations

When we come across equations that include fractions, often referred to as fractional equations, our aim is to simplify them to a point where we can solve for the unknown variable without the complexity that fractions often introduce.

Fractional equations are just like any other equation, except they involve fractions. The process of dealing with these fractions doesn’t have to be cumbersome. One effective method is to find a common denominator, which can help to eliminate the fractions altogether, transforming the equation into one with integers rather than fractions.

In our exercise, the equation \(\frac{t}{-2}=\frac{1}{2}\) was simplified by multiplying both sides by the denominator of the left side (-2). This clever step eliminates the fraction entirely, allowing us to solve for 't' in a more straightforward manner.

Multiplication Property of Equality

The multiplication property of equality is a fundamental principle that allows us to maintain the balance of an equation while we manipulate it. This principle states that if we multiply both sides of an equation by the same non-zero number, the equality still holds true.

For instance, if we have an equation \( A = B \), after multiplying both sides by some non-zero constant 'c', we will have \( cA = cB \). This principle is particularly handy when working with fractional equations because it allows us to clear fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal of the denominator.

In our example, we applied this property by multiplying both sides of the equation by -2, which is the reciprocal of the denominator on the left side of the equation. This multiplication led to the equation \( t = -1 \) without changing the solution that would satisfy the equation.

Isolating Variables

The goal of isolating variables is to rewrite an equation so that the variable we are solving for is on one side of the equation by itself. This technique is pivotal for finding the solution to an equation.

To isolate a variable, we may need to perform several operations, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing both sides of the equation by the same number. Remember, whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side to keep the equation balanced.

In our original problem, once we multiplied both sides by -2, the variable 't' was immediately isolated on one side of the equation resulting in \( t = -1 \) without further need for operations. This step is usually the last in solving an equation, and it gives us the value of the variable that satisfies the equation.