Answer:
The answer would be: -0.01
Explanation:
1) State what is given
AM = 5x -2 and MB = 2x +19
2) Make an equation that can satisfy the problem
AM + BM = AB
This is the equation, because if I am to put this on a line,
A M B
-_____________-_____________-
You can see that is you combine the lengths AM and BM you can find the total length of AB.
A M + M B
-_____________- + -_____________-
(M point is actually one point, but I am trying to show that if the line were to be cut in half, then put back together you get you full length, which is AB)
3) Substitute
(5x - 2) + (2x + 19) = AB
4) Now Solve!
5x - 2 + 2x + 19 = AB
(Rearrange to combine like terms)
5x + 2x + 19 - 2 = AB
7x + 17 = AB
(That is your equation to find AB! But they want the specific length)
So...
We solve it!
7x = -17
(By moving the 17 to the other side of the = sign, it becomes negative)
7x = -17
7 7
(Dividing both sides by 7 in order to get x alone)
x = -2.43
(I rounded to the hundredths place)
Now substitute that into x into you original equation)
5(-2.43) - 2 + 2(-2.43) + 19 = AB
-12.15 - 2 - 4.86 + 19 = AB
-14.15 - 4.86 + 19
-19.01 + 19 = -0.01
= -0.01
(I believe this would be the answer, but it doesn't seem to fit right, so please understand, that if this is wrong, I AM SO SORRY ;-;)
(I tried my best on this problem, but I bet it isn't the answer, so if I get this wrong tell me so that I can remove it! :)