Solve for X in 22x - 1/2 + 16½ = 14.5x - 12: Mixed Number Linear Equation

To solve the equation $22x - \frac{1}{2} + 16\frac{1}{2} = 14.5x - 12$, we will follow these steps:
1. Combine like terms on both sides of the equation.
2. Isolate the variable $x$.
3. Solve for $x$.

Let's start by simplifying each side:

• Simplify the left-hand side: $22x - \frac{1}{2} + 16\frac{1}{2}$.

The term $16\frac{1}{2}$ is equivalent to $16.5$, so the left-hand side becomes:
$22x - 0.5 + 16.5 = 22x + 16$.

• Now simplify the right-hand side: $14.5x - 12$.

The right-hand side remains as $14.5x - 12$.

Now, let's collect like terms. Move the term involving $x$ from the right-hand side to the left:

• Subtract $14.5x$ from both sides:
  $22x + 16 - 14.5x = -12$

This simplifies to:
$7.5x + 16 = -12$.

Next, isolate the constant term. Subtract 16 from both sides:

• $7.5x + 16 - 16 = -12 - 16$

This simplifies to:
$7.5x = -28$.

Finally, solve for $x$ by dividing both sides by 7.5:

• $x = \frac{-28}{7.5}$

Calculating the fraction gives approximately:
$x \approx -3.73$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $x = -3.73$.