High School Math : How to solve two-step equations with decimals in pre-algebra

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Solve Two Step Equations With Decimals In Pre Algebra

\(\displaystyle 2.4X+1.6X=16\)

\(\displaystyle X=?\)

 

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 12\)

\(\displaystyle 4\)

\(\displaystyle 16\)

\(\displaystyle 26\)

\(\displaystyle 8\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 4\)

Explanation:

This is  a two-step equation.  First you must add the decimals up to have a singular variable element

\(\displaystyle 2.4X+1.6X=16\)

\(\displaystyle \left ( 2.4+1.6\right )X=16\)

\(\displaystyle 4X=16\)

Then divide both sides by 4:

\(\displaystyle \frac{4X}{4}=\frac{16}{4}\)

\(\displaystyle X=4\)

Example Question #2 : How To Solve Two Step Equations With Decimals In Pre Algebra

Solve the equation for \(\displaystyle n\). (Round to two decimal places).

\(\displaystyle \small 1.22n+4=3.5\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \small n=6.15\)

\(\displaystyle \small n=-0.41\)

\(\displaystyle \small n=-6.15\)

\(\displaystyle \small n=0.41\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \small n=-0.41\)

Explanation:

\(\displaystyle \small 1.22n+4=3.5\)

Subtract \(\displaystyle 4\) from both sides of the equation, and simplify.

\(\displaystyle \small 1.22n+4-4=3.5-4\)

\(\displaystyle \small \small 1.22n=-0.50\)

Divide both sides by \(\displaystyle 1.22\). Be careful of the negative sign.

\(\displaystyle \small \frac{1.22n}{1.22}=-\frac{0.50}{1.22}\)

\(\displaystyle \small n=-0.41\)

Example Question #505 : High School Math

\(\displaystyle 2.5x+10=30\)

Solve for \(\displaystyle x\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle x=8\)

\(\displaystyle x=5\)

\(\displaystyle x=2.4\)

\(\displaystyle x=10\)

\(\displaystyle x=16\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle x=8\)

Explanation:

The goal is to get \(\displaystyle x\) alone on one side. Therefore you subtract \(\displaystyle 10\) from both sides to get \(\displaystyle 2.5x=20\). Then divide both sides by \(\displaystyle 2.5\) to get \(\displaystyle x\) alone.

\(\displaystyle 20/2.5=8\).

Example Question #4 : How To Solve Two Step Equations With Decimals In Pre Algebra

Josie buys \(\displaystyle \$12.38\) worth of groceries.  The sales tax is \(\displaystyle 3.875\%\).  If she pays with \(\displaystyle \$20\), how much change should she get?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \$7.62\)

\(\displaystyle \$6.19\)

\(\displaystyle \$7.14\)

\(\displaystyle \$6.58\)

\(\displaystyle \$5.97\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \$7.14\)

Explanation:

The sales tax is \(\displaystyle 12.38\cdot 0.03875=0.479\)

The total grocery bill is \(\displaystyle 12.38+0.48=12.86\).

The change is \(\displaystyle 20-12.86=7.14\).

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