Question

How do you solve `5.3x - 50= 2.8x + 5`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add `color(red)(50)` and subtract `color(blue)(2.8x)` from each side of the equation to isolate the `x` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`5.3x - color(blue)(2.8x) - 50 + color(red)(50) = 2.8x - color(blue)(2.8x) + 5 + color(red)(50)`

`(5.3 - color(blue)(2.8))x - 0 = 0 + 55`

`2.5x = 55`

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

`(2.5x)/color(red)(2.5) = 55/color(red)(2.5)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2.5)))x)/cancel(color(red)(2.5)) = 22`

`x = 22`