Final answer:
To solve for x in an equation, precise calculations and proper rounding are crucial. For a quadratic equation with real-life constraints, certain solutions may be discarded, leaving the physically possible solution as the correct one. When working with scientific notation, proper placement of the decimal point relative to the exponent is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve for x in a linear equation or a quadratic equation, the use of a calculator or computer is often necessary to get an accurate result. Precision is key when entering data and rounding results to the appropriate number of decimal places or significant figures.
For a linear equation, enter the data into a calculator and ensure your results are rounded to four decimal places. This high degree of precision is necessary for accuracy in calculations. No specific linear equation was provided in the question, so the exact steps to solve for x in such an equation cannot be outlined, but the process usually involves isolating x on one side of the equation.
In the case of a quadratic equation, such as one where the solutions for x are provided and you need to determine which is valid, you'll often find situations where one solution does not make sense in a real-life context. For instance, negative measurements may be non-physical, indicating that the positive solution is the correct choice. In this scenario, the correct value for x would be 0.00139 when rounded to the nearest tenth.
To express numbers in scientific notation, such as x x 10ยน, you'll need to move the decimal point as indicated by the exponent. For negative exponents, move the decimal to the left, resulting in a number smaller than one, while positive exponents will result in a larger number. Proper rounding to the correct number of significant figures and appropriate units is critical in scientific practice.