Final answer:
The first step in solving the equation 5 1/2 = 2 2/7 + n/4 is to isolate the variable, n, by eliminating the fraction on the right side of the equation using the common denominator.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in solving the equation 5 1/2 = 2 2/7 + n/4 is to isolate the variable, n. To do this, we need to get rid of the fraction on the right side of the equation. One way to do this is by multiplying both sides of the equation by the common denominator of the fractions involved, which is 28. By doing this, we eliminate the fractions and the equation becomes:
28 * (5 1/2) = 28 * (2 2/7) + 28 * (n/4)
Now, simplify the equation and solve for n.