Solve for X: Combining Like Terms in 6.5x - 3.4x + 15 = 16 + 17 + 4.8x

Linear Equations with Decimal Coefficients

Solve for X:

6.5x3.4x+15=16+17+4.8x 6.5x-3.4x+15=16+17+4.8x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:03 Collect terms
00:16 Arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:37 Collect terms
00:42 Isolate X
00:54 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:

6.5x3.4x+15=16+17+4.8x 6.5x-3.4x+15=16+17+4.8x

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the equation step by step:

We start with the given equation:

6.5x3.4x+15=16+17+4.8x 6.5x - 3.4x + 15 = 16 + 17 + 4.8x

Step 1: Simplify the equation by combining like terms on each side.

  • On the left-hand side, combine the x x -terms: 6.5x3.4x=3.1x 6.5x - 3.4x = 3.1x .
  • So, the left-hand side becomes 3.1x+15 3.1x + 15 .
  • On the right-hand side, combine the constants: 16+17=33 16 + 17 = 33 .
  • So, the right-hand side becomes 33+4.8x 33 + 4.8x .

We now have:

3.1x+15=33+4.8x 3.1x + 15 = 33 + 4.8x

Step 2: Move the terms involving x x to one side and the constant terms to the other side.

  • Subtract 4.8x 4.8x from both sides: 3.1x4.8x+15=33 3.1x - 4.8x + 15 = 33 .
  • Simplify to get: 1.7x+15=33 -1.7x + 15 = 33 .
  • Subtract 15 from both sides to move the constant: 1.7x=3315 -1.7x = 33 - 15 .
  • That simplifies to: 1.7x=18 -1.7x = 18 .

Step 3: Solve for x x by dividing both sides by 1.7-1.7.

x=181.7 x = \frac{18}{-1.7}

Calculating this gives:

x10.58823529 x \approx -10.58823529

Rounding to two decimal places, we find:

x10.58 x \approx -10.58

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=10.58 x = -10.58 .

3

Final Answer

10.58 -10.58

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Combine like terms on each side before moving variables
  • Technique: Group x-terms together: 6.5x - 3.4x = 3.1x
  • Check: Substitute x = -10.58: 3.1(-10.58) + 15 = 33 + 4.8(-10.58) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Moving terms before combining like terms
    Don't move 6.5x and -3.4x separately to the other side = creates messy equations with more terms! This makes the problem much harder than it needs to be. Always combine like terms on each side first, then move variables to one side.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( x - 3 + 5 = 8 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I combine like terms first instead of moving everything around?

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Combining like terms first simplifies the equation and reduces the number of terms you have to work with. It's much easier to solve 3.1x+15=33+4.8x 3.1x + 15 = 33 + 4.8x than the original messy equation!

How do I handle the negative coefficient in front of x?

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When you get 1.7x=18 -1.7x = 18 , divide both sides by -1.7. Remember that dividing by a negative number gives you a negative answer: x=181.710.58 x = \frac{18}{-1.7} \approx -10.58

Should I worry about the decimal places in my answer?

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For this type of problem, rounding to two decimal places is usually appropriate. So x10.58823529 x \approx -10.58823529 becomes x10.58 x \approx -10.58

What if I make an arithmetic error with the decimals?

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Take your time with decimal arithmetic! Double-check calculations like 6.53.4=3.1 6.5 - 3.4 = 3.1 and 16+17=33 16 + 17 = 33 . Use a calculator if needed for the final division step.

How can I check if my negative answer is correct?

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Substitute x=10.58 x = -10.58 back into the original equation. Both sides should give you the same value. Negative answers are perfectly valid in algebra!

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