How do you solve and check your solutions to #3.2+x/2.5=4.6#?

1 Answer
Feb 13, 2017

See the entire solution and verification process below:

Explanation:

First, subtract #color(red)(3.2)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#3.2 + x/2.5 - color(red)(3.2) = 4.6 - color(red)(3.2)#

#3.2 - color(red)(3.2) + x/2.5 = 1.4#

#0 + x/2.5 = 1.4#

#x/2.5 = 1.4#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(2.5)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(2.5) xx x/2.5 = color(red)(2.5) xx 1.4#

#cancel(color(red)(2.5)) xx x/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2.5))) = color(red)(2.5) xx 1.4#

#x = 3.5#

To verify the solution we substitute #3.5# for #x# in the left side of the equation and calculate to ensure the left side of the equation is equal to the right side of the equation:

#3.2 + x/2.5 = 4.6# becomes:

#3.2 + 3.5/2.5 = 4.6#

#3.2 + 1.4 = 4.6#

#4.6 = 4.6#

Because both sides of the equation are equal #x = 1.4# is a valid solution.