Solve for X: 3.8 + 15x - 14 = 14x + 9x + 3.4

Linear Equations with Decimal Coefficients

Solve for X:

3.8+15x14=14x+9x+3.4 3.8+15x-14=14x+9x+3.4

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:05 Collect terms
00:17 Arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:43 Isolate X
00:55 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:

3.8+15x14=14x+9x+3.4 3.8+15x-14=14x+9x+3.4

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the linear equation 3.8+15x14=14x+9x+3.4 3.8 + 15x - 14 = 14x + 9x + 3.4 , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms.
    On the left side, combine the constant terms: 3.814=10.2 3.8 - 14 = -10.2 , resulting in 10.2+15x -10.2 + 15x .
    On the right side, combine the terms involving x x : 14x+9x=23x 14x + 9x = 23x , leading to 23x+3.4 23x + 3.4 .
  • Step 2: Rewrite the simplified equation:
    10.2+15x=23x+3.4-10.2 + 15x = 23x + 3.4.
  • Step 3: Isolate the variable x x :
    Subtract 15x 15x from both sides to get:
    10.2=23x15x+3.4-10.2 = 23x - 15x + 3.4
    Which simplifies to:
    10.2=8x+3.4-10.2 = 8x + 3.4.
  • Step 4: Move the constant term to the other side:
    Subtract 3.4 3.4 from both sides:
    10.23.4=8x-10.2 - 3.4 = 8x
    Simplify the left side:
    13.6=8x-13.6 = 8x.
  • Step 5: Solve for x x by dividing both sides by 8:
    x=13.68=1.7 x = \frac{-13.6}{8} = -1.7 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=1.7 x = -1.7 .

3

Final Answer

1.7 -1.7

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplification: Combine like terms separately on each side first
  • Technique: Move variables to one side: 15x - 23x = -8x
  • Check: Substitute x = -1.7 back into original equation: both sides equal -10.2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Incorrectly combining unlike terms across the equals sign
    Don't combine 15x with 14x + 9x directly = treating the equation like addition! This ignores the equals sign and mixes left and right sides. Always combine like terms only on the same side of the equation first.

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 combine like terms on each side first?

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Combining like terms simplifies the equation before solving! In this problem, the left side becomes 10.2+15x -10.2 + 15x and the right side becomes 23x+3.4 23x + 3.4 , making it much easier to work with.

What if I move the variable terms to the right side instead?

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That works too! You could subtract 15x 15x from both sides to get 10.2=8x+3.4 -10.2 = 8x + 3.4 . The key is being consistent with your moves.

How do I handle the decimal numbers without making errors?

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Be extra careful with decimal arithmetic! For example, 3.814=10.2 3.8 - 14 = -10.2 and 10.23.4=13.6 -10.2 - 3.4 = -13.6 . Double-check each calculation step by step.

Why is my answer negative?

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Negative answers are completely normal in algebra! The equation led us to x=1.7 x = -1.7 , which means the variable has a negative value. Always trust your algebra steps.

How can I verify this decimal answer is correct?

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Substitute x=1.7 x = -1.7 back into the original equation. Calculate both sides: Left side = 3.8+15(1.7)14=35.7 3.8 + 15(-1.7) - 14 = -35.7 , Right side = 14(1.7)+9(1.7)+3.4=35.7 14(-1.7) + 9(-1.7) + 3.4 = -35.7

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