Solve Equations with Fraction or Decimal Coefficients: example 8.42

Solve: $0.8 x - 5 = 7 .$

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Solve: $0.6 x - 1 = 11 .$

How did it go?


Multiply both sides by the LCD.
Distribute.
Multiply, and notice, no more decimals!
Add 50 to get all constants to the right.
Simplify.
Divide both sides by 8.
Simplify.
Check: Let $x = 15 .$


Multiply both sides by the LCD.
Distribute.
Multiply, and notice, no more decimals!
Add 50 to get all constants to the right.
Simplify.
Divide both sides by 8.
Simplify.
Check: Let $x = 15 .$