Solve for X: Finding the Value in 2/14 - 3.5x + 1/7 = 3/21 + 5.5x

Linear Equations with Mixed Fractions and Decimals

Find the value of the parameter X

2143.5x+17=321+5.5x \frac{2}{14}-3.5x+\frac{1}{7}=\frac{3}{21}+5.5x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:03 Factor 14 into factors 2 and 7
00:15 Factor 21 into factors 7 and 3
00:26 Reduce what's possible
00:44 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
01:14 Collect like terms
01:30 Isolate X
01:36 Write division as multiplication by reciprocal
01:40 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
01:45 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the value of the parameter X

2143.5x+17=321+5.5x \frac{2}{14}-3.5x+\frac{1}{7}=\frac{3}{21}+5.5x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's go through the equation step by step:

Step 1: Simplify the fractional coefficients where possible.
We know 214 \frac{2}{14} simplifies to 17 \frac{1}{7} and 321 \frac{3}{21} simplifies to 17 \frac{1}{7} . Substituting these into the equation results in:

173.5x+17=17+5.5x \frac{1}{7} - 3.5x + \frac{1}{7} = \frac{1}{7} + 5.5x

Step 2: Combine like terms.
Combine 17 \frac{1}{7} and 17 \frac{1}{7} on the left side:

273.5x=17+5.5x \frac{2}{7} - 3.5x = \frac{1}{7} + 5.5x

Step 3: Isolate the variable x x .
Subtract 5.5x 5.5x from both sides to move terms with x x to one side of the equation:

273.5x5.5x=17 \frac{2}{7} - 3.5x - 5.5x = \frac{1}{7}

Simplify to:

279x=17 \frac{2}{7} - 9x = \frac{1}{7}

Step 4: Move the constant terms to one side of the equation.
Subtract 27 \frac{2}{7} from both sides:

9x=1727 -9x = \frac{1}{7} - \frac{2}{7}

9x=17 -9x = -\frac{1}{7}

Step 5: Solve for x x by dividing both sides by 9-9:

x=179=163 x = \frac{-\frac{1}{7}}{-9} = \frac{1}{63}

Therefore, the value of x x is 163 \frac{1}{63} , which corresponds to choice number 1.

3

Final Answer

163 \frac{1}{63}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplification: Convert all fractions to simplest form before starting calculations
  • Technique: Combine like terms first: 17+17=27 \frac{1}{7} + \frac{1}{7} = \frac{2}{7}
  • Check: Substitute x=163 x = \frac{1}{63} back into original equation to verify both sides equal ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not simplifying fractions before combining terms
    Don't leave 214 \frac{2}{14} and 321 \frac{3}{21} as they are = harder calculations and potential errors! This makes combining terms confusing and increases mistake chances. Always simplify fractions to 17 \frac{1}{7} first to see patterns clearly.

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 should I simplify the fractions first?

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Simplifying fractions like 214=17 \frac{2}{14} = \frac{1}{7} and 321=17 \frac{3}{21} = \frac{1}{7} makes it much easier to see patterns and combine like terms. You'll make fewer calculation errors!

How do I handle the mix of fractions and decimals?

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Keep the fractions as fractions and decimals as decimals throughout your work. Don't convert everything to one form unless necessary - it often makes calculations more complicated.

What's the easiest way to combine the x terms?

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Move all x terms to one side: -3.5x - 5.5x = -9x. Adding negatives is the same as subtracting: think of it as losing 3.5x and then losing another 5.5x.

Why is my final answer such a small fraction?

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Small answers like 163 \frac{1}{63} are common when you have large coefficients (like 9x). The bigger the coefficient, the smaller the solution. Always double-check by substituting back!

Can I convert everything to decimals instead?

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You could, but fractions like 17 \frac{1}{7} become repeating decimals (0.142857...), making calculations messier. Keep fractions when they're already simple!

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