Question

Show your steps in solving each of the following equations. The steps count 4 points for each equation, and the solution is 1 point for each. Round the solution to two decimal places.

a. 4x - 5 = 16

Option 1: Solve for x.
Option 2: Isolate the variable x.
Option 3: Perform the necessary operations step by step.
Option 4: Provide the final solution, rounded to two decimal places.

Answer 1

The linear equation 4x - 5 = 16 is solved by adding 5 to both sides, then dividing by 4, yielding a solution of x = 5.25 after rounding to two decimal places.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve the equation 4x - 5 = 16, follow these steps:

1. Add 5 to both sides of the equation to isolate the term containing x: 4x - 5 + 5 = 16 + 5, which simplifies to 4x = 21.
2. Divide both sides of the equation by 4 to solve for x: 4x / 4 = 21 / 4, resulting in x = 5.25.
3. As requested, round the solution to two decimal places, giving us x = 5.25.

This step-by-step process demonstrates the algebraic steps taken when solving linear equations and how to isolate the variable. Entering the data into a calculator can assist in ensuring accuracy.