How do you solve and check your solutions to #-1.2=z/4.6-2.7#?

1 Answer
Feb 10, 2017

See the entire solution and verification process below:

Explanation:

First, add #color(red)(2.7)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #z# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-1.2 + color(red)(2.7) = z/4.6 - 2.7 + color(red)(2.7)#

#1.5 = z/4.6 - 0#

#1.5 = z/4.6#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(4.6)# to solve for #z# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(4.6) xx 1.5 = color(red)(4.6) xx z/4.6#

#6.9 = cancel(color(red)(4.6)) xx z/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4.6)))#

#6.9 = z#

#z = 6.9#

To check the solution we need to substitute #6.9# for #z# in the original problem and calculate the right side of the equation to ensure it equals #-1.2#

#-1.2 = 6.9/4.6 - 2.7#

#-1.2 = 1.5 - 2.7#

#-1.2 = -1.2#

Because both sides of the equation equal #-1.2# we have verified the solution we obtained is correct.