A Fraction Around a Sum

In the equation (x + 1)/2 = 5, the whole sum x + 1 is divided by 2. A fraction bar groups what is above it, like a bracket. The division by 2 applies to the whole sum, so you undo it first: multiply both sides by 2.

x + 1 = 10

x = 9

After the division is undone, the sum is left and you subtract 1. Check the answer: (9 + 1)/2 = 5.

Compare this with x/2 + 1 = 5. There only the x is halved, and the answer is 8. The fraction bar tells you what is being divided. Read it before you start solving.