x + (1/2x+11)= 38 Add like terms 1 1/2x + 11= 38 Subtract 11 from both sides 1 1/2x= 27 Change fraction to improper fraction 3/2x= 27 Multiply both sides by reciprocal (inverse) of fraction (2/3)(3/2x) =(27)(2/3) They cancel each other on the left x= (27*2)/3 x= 54/3 x= 18 smaller number
1/2x+11 = 1/2(18)+11 =(1*18)/2+11 =9+11 =20 larger number
