What is 3p over 8 plus 7p over 16 minus 3 over 4 equals 1 over 4 plus p over 16 plus 1 over 2?

Answer 1

It's an example of a linear equation in 'p' that's actually rather simple but has been

written in a manner intentionally selected to conceal and obfuscate.

The 'solution' to any equation is the number that the variable must equal in order for

the equation to be a true statement, and this equation is no exception.

The solution may be identified as follows:

3p/8 + 7p/16 - 3/4 = 1/4 + p/16 + 1/2

Multiply each side by 16, just so we can see what's going on:

6p + 7p - 12 = 4 + p + 8

That's so much better. Now combine the 'p' terms on the left side,

and the number-terms on the right side:

13p - 12 = p + 12

Subtract 'p' from each side ==> 12p - 12 = 12

Divide each side by 12 ==> p - 1 = 1

Add 1 to each side: ==> p = 2

And that's how to find the solution to the equation in the question, although

the question didn't ask for the solution.