Math Problem - I cant figure out

lisar wrote: 7r=1

I dont get it. DH got the answer but cant seem to tell me how. Anyone on here get it, I sure dont.

cameragirl21 replied: Is this an algebra problem or does r stand for something, like radius?
if it's algebra, then you take 1/7 and that is the value of r. but if it's algebra, you usually use x or y, not r...that is why I'm asking if r stands for something?
What is the context of this problem?

lisar replied:
Its algebra so take
7x=1

cameragirl21 replied: oh, then the answer is 1 divided by 7, which is about 0.1429

lisar replied: Why is that the answer though.

Here is why I say that:
I thought that the 7x would mean multiply thought right?

I am BAD at algebra and I gotta pass this class which is HARD for me. I dont do math very well. Algebra is like learning a new language.

cameragirl21 replied: well, if you have 7r or 7x or something like that, you are multiplying but not because of the x being a symbol of multiplication.
It works like this:
say you have your problem--7r=1. 1 is the answer and you have to multiply something by 7 to get one, that is the unknown, r. So to solve for the unkown, you always divide your answer by the known, so take 1/7. If you multiply 7 times 1/7 you are essentially dividing 7 by 7, to get 1.
Does that make sense? I used to tutor algebra in HS and college and was quite good at it. Sadly it's been a while so I may be a bit rusty but that problem you posted is very basic algebra and if you ever need help, feel free to pm me anytime and I'll help you. I can pm you my phone number if you'd prefer I explain it to you instead of writing it out.
Does my explanation make sense? Feel free to say so if not so we can talk about this some more.

lisar replied:
To me, No it doesnt make sense. You have to explain it to me like I am 2. Seriously. I just dont get it. I read it like 4 times trying to understand. Sorry I can get anything else just not the Algebra stuff.

cameragirl21 replied: Ok, let's start from the beginning. In algebra, you always have an unkown and the point is to try and solve it so it becomes a known.
In the problem you posted, you have 2 knowns--1 and 7 and one unknown--r.
If you say that 7r=1 then 1 is your answer and you have to multiply 7 times r to get your answer, 1. So 7 times whatever r is gets you your answer, 1.
So to get your answer, you have to use division. Here is where it gets a bit complicated--it is a multiplication problem but because division is the opposite of multiplication, you have to go backwards, in other words, use division to get your answer.
In other words, 2x3=6, so 6/2=3 and 6/3=2. With me so far?
So let's say you have 2r=6. Again, r is your unknown that you're trying to solve and your knowns are 2 and 6. You know that 2 times r =6 so to get what r is, you need to divide 6 by 2 and you get your answer, 3.
It's the same thing with your problem. 7r=1. 7 times r must come to 1 but 1 is bigger than 7 so you know you're going to have a fraction or a decimal problem. That actually is my question, if your teacher wants the answer as a fraction or a decimal. So to get r, you have to divide your answer, whatever comes after the equal sign (=) by your other known, in this case 7. So you take 1/7.
Does that make more sense?

lisar replied: yes much more sense. I get it now I had to write it down as I was reading it though. But now I see how it was done. Thank you.

And the next question was 6x=3 LOL but you just gave me the answer to that one to.

See this is what I do half the time when I at work is do my homework.

cameragirl21 replied:
remember that in the case of 6x=3, that the answer is 3/6, or .5
always divide what comes after the = by what comes before it, if that makes sense.
And you're welcome, anytime.

lisar replied:
yea I put down 1/2. Gotta make it to lowest terms.

luvmykids replied:
If your teacher wants the answer in a fraction, then the answer to your first problem would be 1/7.

My2Beauties replied: Good explanaining Jen...I'm an algebra whiz myself, I so wanted to beat everyone to the punch on this one LOL! I'm such a nerd.

cameragirl21 replied:
yeah, except did you notice where I said that 1 is bigger than 7...I meant to say smaller, I am just mortified. I can't edit because it's already been responded to, was hoping no one else would open this thread and read what I wrote.
Yeah, I'm a bit of a nerd too, I suppose, especially when it comes to math problems.

jem0622 replied: I am not jealous! I was not a good algebra student, at all! Doesn't the internet rock?