Solve the Linear Equation: 8.51x + 3.4 - 6.14x = 7.51 + 3.8x - 6.1

Linear Equations with Decimal Coefficients

Solve for X:

8.51x+3.46.14x=7.51+3.8x6.1 8.51x+\text{3}.4-6.14x=7.51+3.8x-6.1

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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 like terms
00:17 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
00:35 Collect like terms
00:46 Isolate X
00:55 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:

8.51x+3.46.14x=7.51+3.8x6.1 8.51x+\text{3}.4-6.14x=7.51+3.8x-6.1

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the linear equation 8.51x+3.46.14x=7.51+3.8x6.1 8.51x + 3.4 - 6.14x = 7.51 + 3.8x - 6.1 , we will proceed with these steps:

  • Step 1: Combine like terms on the left side.
  • Step 2: Combine like terms on the right side.
  • Step 3: Isolate x x by collecting all x x terms on one side of the equation.
  • Step 4: Solve for x x .

Now, let's work through these steps in detail:

Step 1: Combining like terms on the left side:
The left side of the equation is 8.51x+3.46.14x 8.51x + 3.4 - 6.14x .
Combine the x x -terms: (8.516.14)x+3.4=2.37x+3.4(8.51 - 6.14)x + 3.4 = 2.37x + 3.4.
The left side simplifies to 2.37x+3.4 2.37x + 3.4 .

Step 2: Combining like terms on the right side:
The right side of the equation is 7.51+3.8x6.1 7.51 + 3.8x - 6.1 .
Combine the constant terms: 7.516.1=1.41 7.51 - 6.1 = 1.41 .
The right side simplifies to 3.8x+1.41 3.8x + 1.41 .

Step 3: Isolate x x :
Start with the equation 2.37x+3.4=3.8x+1.41 2.37x + 3.4 = 3.8x + 1.41 .
Subtract 2.37x 2.37x from both sides to have 3.4=(3.82.37)x+1.41 3.4 = (3.8 - 2.37)x + 1.41 .
This simplifies to 3.4=1.43x+1.41 3.4 = 1.43x + 1.41 .

Subtract 1.41 from both sides to isolate the term with x x :
3.41.41=1.43x 3.4 - 1.41 = 1.43x , resulting in 1.99=1.43x 1.99 = 1.43x .

Step 4: Solve for x x :
Divide both sides by 1.43 1.43 :
x=1.991.431.39 x = \frac{1.99}{1.43} \approx 1.39 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=1.39 x = 1.39 .

3

Final Answer

1.39 1.39

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Terms: Group x-terms and constants separately before solving
  • Technique: Subtract 2.37x from 3.8x: (3.8 - 2.37)x = 1.43x
  • Check: Substitute x = 1.39: 2.37(1.39) + 3.4 = 3.8(1.39) + 1.41 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to combine like terms first
    Don't try to isolate x without simplifying both sides = messy calculations and errors! This leads to confusion with multiple x-terms scattered throughout. Always combine all x-terms and all constants on each side first.

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 need to combine like terms on both sides first?

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Combining like terms simplifies the equation and reduces errors. Instead of juggling multiple x-terms like 8.51x, -6.14x, and 3.8x separately, you get clean terms: 2.37x and 3.8x.

What if I get confused with all the decimal calculations?

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Take it step by step! Write each calculation clearly: 8.51 - 6.14 = 2.37, then 7.51 - 6.1 = 1.41. Double-check your arithmetic before moving to the next step.

How do I know which x-terms to move to which side?

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Move the smaller x-coefficient to eliminate it! Since 2.37x is smaller than 3.8x, subtract 2.37x from both sides to keep positive coefficients.

Should I round my final answer?

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Only if the problem asks! Since this problem uses decimals to two decimal places, x = 1.39 is appropriately precise. Always match the precision of the given numbers.

What if I make an error in my decimal arithmetic?

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Use the substitution check! If your answer doesn't make both sides equal when plugged back in, you know to recalculate. This catches arithmetic mistakes quickly.

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