Final answer:
To solve for p in the equation 'p/1 - 3/7 = -10.2,' convert -10.2 to a mixed number, find a common denominator to combine fractions, and isolate p to find the solution, which is p = -9 27/35.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to solve for p in the equation p/1 - 3/7 = -10.2. To find p, we need to first convert -10.2 into a fraction. Since -10.2 is the same as -10 2/10 or -10 1/5 after simplifying, we can now work with fractions. The equation becomes p - 3/7 = -51/5 (since -10 1/5 is -51/5 in improper fraction).
Now, let's isolate p on one side of the equation:
- Add 3/7 to both sides to get p = -51/5 + 3/7.
- To add these fractions, find a common denominator, which is 35.
- Convert fractions: -51/5 is -357/35 and 3/7 is 15/35.
- Add the fractions: -357/35 + 15/35 = -342/35.
- Simplify the fraction to get the mixed number: -342/35 is -9 27/35.
Therefore, p = -9 27/35.
We have successfully solved for p using the properties of equality and operations with fractions.
While checking for the reasonableness of the answer, ensure the calculation steps are correct and that the final value of p makes sense when substituted back into the original equation.