How do you solve #\frac { 4.2} { 28} = \frac { x } { 16}#?

1 Answer
smendyka
May 12, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(16)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(16) xx 4.2/28 = color(red)(16) xx x/16#

#67.2/28 = cancel(color(red)(16)) xx x/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(16)))#

#67.2/28 = x#

#x = 67.2/28#

Next, multiply the right side of the equation by the appropriate form of one to eliminate the decimal in the numerator while keeping the term with the same value:

#x = (10/10 xx 67.2/28)#

#x = 672/280#

Now, factor and cancel common terms in the numerator and denominator to reduce the fraction:

#x = (56 xx 12)/(56 xx 5)#

#x = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(56))) xx 12)/(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(56))) xx 5)#

#x = 12/5#

Or

#x = 2.4#

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