Question

−1.2x+2.5=0.8x+6.5

Solve for x

Answer 1

Answer: x = - 2.0

Explanation:

We can find x by making it the subject of the equation and simplifying:

−1.2x+2.5=0.8x+6.5 [group like terms across the equal sign]

-1.2x - 0.8x = 6.5 - 2.5 [simplify]

- 2.0x = 4 [divide both sides by -2.0]

x = -2.0

Check:

−1.2(-2.0)+2.5 = 0.8(-2.0)+6.5

4.9 = 4.9 ✅

Answer 2

x = -2

Explanation:

It's a matter of rearranging the equation to make x the subject. Simple arithmetic.

Original equation:

-1.2x + 2.5 = 0.8x + 6.5

Start moving constants with variables to left, and constants without variables to right:

-1.2x - 0.8x + 2.5 = 6.5

-1.2x - 0.8x = 6.5 - 2.5

Collect like terms

-2x = 6.5 - 2.5

-2x = 4

Divide both sides by -2 to make x the subject

x = 4/-2

x = -2