Solve for X: Linear Equation with 3.5x + 7.5x - 3.1x Terms

Linear Equations with Decimal Coefficients

Solve for X:


603.5x+7.5x=48+3.1x16 60-3.5x+7.5x=48+3.1x-16

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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
00:13 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
00:32 Collect terms
00:38 Isolate X
00:51 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

Solve for X:


603.5x+7.5x=48+3.1x16 60-3.5x+7.5x=48+3.1x-16

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given equation 603.5x+7.5x=48+3.1x16 60 - 3.5x + 7.5x = 48 + 3.1x - 16 , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify each side of the equation.
  • Step 2: Combine like terms.
  • Step 3: Isolate and solve for x x .

Step 1: Simplify each side of the equation.

On the left side, we have: 603.5x+7.5x=60+(7.5x3.5x)=60+4x 60 - 3.5x + 7.5x = 60 + (7.5x - 3.5x) = 60 + 4x

On the right side, we have: 48+3.1x16=(4816)+3.1x=32+3.1x 48 + 3.1x - 16 = (48 - 16) + 3.1x = 32 + 3.1x

Step 2: The equation now becomes:

60+4x=32+3.1x 60 + 4x = 32 + 3.1x

Step 3: Move terms to isolate x x .

Subtract 3.1x 3.1x from both sides:

60+4x3.1x=32 60 + 4x - 3.1x = 32

60+0.9x=32 60 + 0.9x = 32

Next, subtract 60 from both sides to isolate the x x -terms:

0.9x=3260 0.9x = 32 - 60

0.9x=28 0.9x = -28

Finally, divide by 0.9 to solve for x x :

x=280.9 x = \frac{-28}{0.9}

x=31.11 x = -31.11

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=31.11 x = -31.11 .

3

Final Answer

31.11 -31.11

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Terms: Group like terms on each side before moving variables
  • Technique: Calculate 7.5x - 3.5x = 4x and 48 - 16 = 32
  • Check: Substitute x = -31.11: 60 + 4(-31.11) = 32 + 3.1(-31.11) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Moving terms without combining like terms first
    Don't move 3.5x and 7.5x separately across the equals sign = creates messy fractions and calculation errors! This makes the problem much harder than needed. Always combine like terms on each side first, then move variables.

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 get different answers when I move terms in different orders?

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You should get the same answer regardless of order! If you don't, you likely made an arithmetic error. Always double-check your signs when moving terms across the equals sign.

How do I handle the decimal coefficients like 3.5x and 7.5x?

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Treat decimal coefficients just like whole numbers! 7.5x - 3.5x = 4x because you're subtracting the coefficients: 7.5 - 3.5 = 4.

Should I convert decimals to fractions first?

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Not necessary! Working with decimals directly is often easier and faster. Just be careful with your decimal arithmetic and use a calculator if needed.

What if I get a long decimal like -31.111...?

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For this problem, 280.9=31.1 \frac{-28}{0.9} = -31.\overline{1} (repeating 1s). You can write it as -31.11 or the exact fraction 2809 -\frac{280}{9} .

How do I check my answer with such a messy decimal?

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Use the exact value 280.9 \frac{-28}{0.9} or enough decimal places. When you substitute back, both sides should equal approximately -64.44.

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