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Problem

We want to solve the equation:

15 = \'\frac{1}{2} - 11

First, notice this equation does not contain a variable. It is a statement comparing numbers, and it is not true as written because \(\frac{1}{2} - 11 = -\tfrac{21}{2} = -10.5\), which does not equal 15.

There might be a misunderstanding of the problem. If the intent is to solve a linear equation in one variable, it should look like something like:

  • case A: 15 = x/2 - 11
  • case B: 15 = 1/2 - x

We’ll show how to handle case A, since it fits the pattern of solving for a variable.

Solving Case A: 15 = x/2 - 11

  1. Add 11 to both sides to move constants:

    15 + 11 = x/2

    26 = x/2

  2. Multiply both sides by 2 to solve for x:

    2 × 26 = x

    x = 52

  3. Check the solution by substituting back:

    Right side: x/2 - 11 = 52/2 - 11 = 26 - 11 = 15

    Left side is 15, which matches. So x = 52 is correct for Case A.

Important note: If your original problem is truly 15 = 1/2 - 11 (with no variable), that equality is false because 1/2 - 11 = -10.5. There is no solution to solve for a variable because none appears. Please double-check the equation you were given. If you intended a variable, use a form like 15 = x/2 - 11 or 15 = 1/2 - x and solve accordingly.


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