Algebra: solving equations with decimal coefficients

When you tutor math, decimal coefficients surface sometimes – especially in word problems.  We’ll sort out a simple scenario.

Recently, someone asked me a question very similar to

206.5(0.7x) + 112x = 4000.5

Here’s what to do:

1)  multiply the 206.5 by 0.7x:

144.55x + 112x = 4000.5

2)  combine the like terms on the left side:

256.55x = 4000.5

3)  divide both sides by 256.55 to cancel it from the left:

x=4000.5/256.55

4)  we have the answer:

x=15.59345157

Hope this helps:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.

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