Solve the Linear Equation: 7.21 + 11.5x - 3.4x = 8.11x - 12.4 + 3.8

Linear Equations with Decimal Coefficients

Solve for X:

7.21+11.5x3.4x=8.11x12.4+3.8 7.21+11.5x-3.4x=8.11x-12.4+3.8

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:05 Group like terms
00:18 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
00:36 Group like terms
00:48 Isolate X
00:56 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:

7.21+11.5x3.4x=8.11x12.4+3.8 7.21+11.5x-3.4x=8.11x-12.4+3.8

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's carefully simplify and solve the given equation:

  • Step 1: Simplify each side of the equation.
    Left side: 7.21+11.5x3.4x 7.21 + 11.5x - 3.4x which simplifies to 7.21+(11.53.4)x=7.21+8.1x 7.21 + (11.5 - 3.4)x = 7.21 + 8.1x .
    Right side: 8.11x12.4+3.8 8.11x - 12.4 + 3.8 which simplifies to 8.11x8.6 8.11x - 8.6 .
  • Step 2: Set up the simplified equation.
    We have 7.21+8.1x=8.11x8.6 7.21 + 8.1x = 8.11x - 8.6 .
  • Step 3: Move terms involving x x to one side and constants to the other.
    Subtract 8.1x 8.1x from both sides: 7.21=8.11x8.68.1x 7.21 = 8.11x - 8.6 - 8.1x .
    This simplifies to 7.21=0.01x8.6 7.21 = 0.01x - 8.6 .
  • Step 4: Solve for x x .
    Add 8.6 8.6 to both sides to isolate terms with x x : 7.21+8.6=0.01x 7.21 + 8.6 = 0.01x , which simplifies to 15.81=0.01x 15.81 = 0.01x .
    Divide both sides by 0.01 to solve for x x :
    x=15.810.01=1581 x = \frac{15.81}{0.01} = 1581 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=1581 x = 1581 .

3

Final Answer

1581 1581

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplification: Combine like terms on each side first
  • Technique: Move all x terms to one side: 8.1x - 8.11x = -0.01x
  • Check: Substitute x = 1581: 7.21 + 8.1(1581) = 8.11(1581) - 8.6 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to combine like terms correctly
    Don't skip combining 11.5x - 3.4x = 7.1x instead of 8.1x! This calculation error leads to completely wrong coefficients and final answers. Always double-check your arithmetic when combining decimal coefficients.

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 is my final answer such a large number like 1581?

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Large answers are normal when you have small coefficients like 0.01x! When you divide by a small decimal (0.01), you get a much larger result. Think: 15.810.01=1581 \frac{15.81}{0.01} = 1581

How do I avoid arithmetic mistakes with decimals?

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Line up decimal points when adding/subtracting and double-check each step. For example: 11.5 - 3.4 = 8.1, not 7.1!

Should I move x terms to the left or right side?

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Either works! The key is to be consistent. In this problem, moving x terms to the right gives 0.01x, which is easier to work with than -0.01x.

What if I get a negative coefficient for x?

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No problem! Just divide by the negative number. For example, if you have 0.01x=15.81 -0.01x = 15.81 , then x=15.810.01=1581 x = \frac{15.81}{-0.01} = -1581 .

How can I check such a big answer quickly?

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Use the distributive property strategically! Calculate 8.1×1581 8.1 \times 1581 and 8.11×1581 8.11 \times 1581 separately, then verify both sides equal the same value.

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