Solve for X: (1/5)x - 3.4 + (3/10)x = (4/10)x + 6.4

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractions and Decimals

Solve for X:

15x3.4+310x=410x+6.4 \frac{1}{5}x-3.4+\frac{3}{10}x=\frac{4}{10}x+6.4

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:04 Arrange the equation so that only the unknown X is on one side
00:26 Collect like terms
00:40 Multiply by the common denominator to eliminate fractions
00:57 Divide 10 by 5, reduce what's possible
01:06 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

15x3.4+310x=410x+6.4 \frac{1}{5}x-3.4+\frac{3}{10}x=\frac{4}{10}x+6.4

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given equation 15x3.4+310x=410x+6.4 \frac{1}{5}x - 3.4 + \frac{3}{10}x = \frac{4}{10}x + 6.4 , follow these steps:

Step 1: Simplify each side of the equation.
On the left side, combine like terms with x x :

15x+310x=210x+310x=510x \frac{1}{5}x + \frac{3}{10}x = \frac{2}{10}x + \frac{3}{10}x = \frac{5}{10}x or 12x \frac{1}{2}x .

Thus, the left side becomes 12x3.4 \frac{1}{2}x - 3.4 .

Step 2: Combine the x x terms and constants.
Rewriting the equation: 12x3.4=410x+6.4 \frac{1}{2}x - 3.4 = \frac{4}{10}x + 6.4 .

Step 3: Isolate the terms with x x . Subtract 410x\frac{4}{10}x (equivalent to 0.4x0.4x) from both sides:

12x0.4x3.4=6.4 \frac{1}{2}x - 0.4x - 3.4 = 6.4 ,

which simplifies the left side to:

(0.5x0.4x)3.4=6.4 (0.5x - 0.4x) - 3.4 = 6.4 .

This becomes:

0.1x3.4=6.4 0.1x - 3.4 = 6.4 .

Step 4: Isolate x x by adding 3.4 to both sides:

0.1x=6.4+3.4 0.1x = 6.4 + 3.4 ,

which simplifies to:

0.1x=9.8 0.1x = 9.8 .

Step 5: Solve for x x by dividing both sides by 0.1:

x=9.80.1 x = \frac{9.8}{0.1} .

This simplifies to:

x=98 x = 98 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is 98 98 .

3

Final Answer

98 98

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Terms: Add fractions with same variable: 15x+310x=510x \frac{1}{5}x + \frac{3}{10}x = \frac{5}{10}x
  • Technique: Convert fractions to decimals for easier calculation: 12=0.5 \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 and 410=0.4 \frac{4}{10} = 0.4
  • Check: Substitute x = 98: 0.5(98)3.4=0.4(98)+6.445.6=45.6 0.5(98) - 3.4 = 0.4(98) + 6.4 \rightarrow 45.6 = 45.6

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Incorrectly combining fractions with different denominators
    Don't add 15x+310x \frac{1}{5}x + \frac{3}{10}x as 415x \frac{4}{15}x = wrong coefficient! This happens when you add numerators and denominators separately. Always find common denominators first: 210x+310x=510x \frac{2}{10}x + \frac{3}{10}x = \frac{5}{10}x .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( 6 - x = 10 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to find a common denominator for fractions with x?

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You need a common denominator to combine like terms correctly! Think of it like adding 15+310 \frac{1}{5} + \frac{3}{10} - you can't just add across. Convert 15 \frac{1}{5} to 210 \frac{2}{10} first.

Can I work with decimals instead of fractions?

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Absolutely! Converting fractions to decimals often makes the math easier. 15=0.2 \frac{1}{5} = 0.2 , 310=0.3 \frac{3}{10} = 0.3 , and 410=0.4 \frac{4}{10} = 0.4 - then you just work with regular decimal arithmetic.

What if I get confused moving terms to different sides?

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Use the same operation on both sides rule! If you subtract 0.4x 0.4x from the right side, you must subtract it from the left side too. This keeps the equation balanced.

How do I check if x = 98 is really correct?

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Substitute 98 for every x in the original equation:

  • Left side: 15(98)3.4+310(98)=19.63.4+29.4=45.6 \frac{1}{5}(98) - 3.4 + \frac{3}{10}(98) = 19.6 - 3.4 + 29.4 = 45.6
  • Right side: 410(98)+6.4=39.2+6.4=45.6 \frac{4}{10}(98) + 6.4 = 39.2 + 6.4 = 45.6

Both sides equal 45.6, so x = 98 is correct!

Why is my final answer so much bigger than the other numbers?

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That's normal! When you have a small coefficient like 0.1x, you need a large value of x to equal 9.8. Think of it as: "What times 0.1 gives me 9.8?" The answer is naturally going to be much larger.

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