Whole numbers

[RichardValdez1L]

Must all subscripts be whole numbers ? and if so if we get one that is like 33/2, would just multiplying all other ones and simplifying get us our answer?

[KateCaldwell 1A]

You cannot change a subscripts as that would change the molecule. You may be referring to a coefficient. If so, not having the coefficient as a fraction makes solving for the rest of the problem easier if we leave/make the coefficient whole numbers. If you ever have a fraction, most likely all you have to do is multiply the other compounds coefficients by 2, such as with your problem 33/2.

[Hannah Lee 1B]

subscripts are always whole numbers. the coefficients can be fractions while you're balancing to make it easier, but at the end you'd have to multiply everything by a common denominator to get whole numbers

[Molly Oakes 1A]

You multiply everything by the denominator of the fraction to make the numbers whole while maintaining the right ratio.

[Amanda 1A]

Changing subscripts would change the reaction. The only thing that can be changed would be the coefficients but you would have to maintain the ratios of the original formula.

[Lenaschelzig1C]

Because you can not have half of an atom, you have to make them whole numbers. Also, you have to make sure that you only change the coefficient only because changing subscripts would change the composition of the molecule.

[Miya Lopez 1I]

Subscripts must never be changed because that would change the entire formula. If you have a fraction like 33/2 for one coefficient, you can just multiply the whole equation by 2 in this case to get whole numbers (which is preferable).

[AlyssaRivera]

Subscripts must always be whole numbers. The ratio of moles in the equation but it will never be lower than the empirical formula and the amount of moles seen there.