Final answer:
To solve the equation -8.38y + 10.71 = 131.382, subtract 10.71 from both sides and then divide by -8.38. The calculated answer is y = -14.4, which is closest to option (B) y = -15, if rounding is assumed to choose the nearest given option.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking to solve a linear equation, which falls under the category of Mathematics. The particular problem to solve is: -8.38y + 10.71 = 131.382. To solve for y, we can follow these steps:
- Subtract 10.71 from both sides of the equation: -8.38y + 10.71 - 10.71 = 131.382 - 10.71, which simplifies to -8.38y = 120.672.
- Divide both sides by -8.38 to isolate y: -8.38y / -8.38 = 120.672 / -8.38, which simplifies to y = -14.4.
The correct answer is not explicitly listed among the provided options (A) y = 17, (B) y = -15, (C) y = -17, (D) y = 15, so there may be a mistake in the question, in the student's transcription of the options, or in the calculation. The student should double-check the options provided and the calculations.
If rounding is permitted and the student has to choose the closest answer, then the closest answer to -14.4 is (B) y = -15.