Skip to main content
Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 27

Solve each equation. 0.5x+ (4/3)x= x+10

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by writing the given equation clearly: \(0.5x + \frac{4}{3}x = x + 10\).
Convert the decimal \(0.5\) to a fraction to make calculations easier: \(0.5x = \frac{1}{2}x\). So the equation becomes \(\frac{1}{2}x + \frac{4}{3}x = x + 10\).
Find a common denominator for the fractions on the left side to combine them. The denominators are 2 and 3, so the common denominator is 6. Rewrite each term with denominator 6: \(\frac{3}{6}x + \frac{8}{6}x = x + 10\).
Combine the fractions on the left side: \(\frac{3}{6}x + \frac{8}{6}x = \frac{11}{6}x\). Now the equation is \(\frac{11}{6}x = x + 10\).
To isolate \(x\), subtract \(x\) from both sides: \(\frac{11}{6}x - x = 10\). Rewrite \(x\) as \(\frac{6}{6}x\) to subtract easily: \(\frac{11}{6}x - \frac{6}{6}x = 10\). Then simplify the left side to get \(\frac{5}{6}x = 10\).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Combining Like Terms

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In this equation, terms with the variable x on both sides can be combined to simplify the equation and isolate the variable.
Recommended video:
5:22
Combinations

Solving Linear Equations

Solving linear equations means finding the value of the variable that makes the equation true. This typically involves isolating the variable on one side by performing inverse operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Recommended video:
04:02
Solving Linear Equations with Fractions

Working with Fractions and Decimals

This concept involves manipulating fractions and decimals within equations. Converting decimals to fractions or vice versa, and finding common denominators, helps simplify terms and solve the equation accurately.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:45
Radical Expressions with Fractions