Question

What is the least common denominator that will allow you to combine the constant terms? 10 21 35 or 42

Answer 1

`LCM = 21`

Explanation:

Given

`-(3)/(5)y + (1)/(7)= (1)/(3)y -(2)/(3)`

Required

LCM of the constant terms

Collect like terms

`(1)/(3)y+(3)/(5)y = (1)/(7)+(2)/(3)`

The constant terms are on the right-hand side

To combine them, we simply take the LCM of the denominator, i.e. 7 and 3

The prime factorization of 3 and 7 are:

`3 = 3`

`7 = 7`

So:

`LCM = 3 * 7`

`LCM = 21`