Chapter 3: Problem 31
Use the properties of equality to help solve each equation. $$ -6 x=102 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the equation is \(x = -17\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Equation
The equation given is \(-6x = 102\). This equation implies that \(x\) is being multiplied by \(-6\) and the result is \(102\).
02
Identify the Operation Needed
To isolate \(x\), we need to divide both sides of the equation by \(-6\) because \(x\) is currently being multiplied by \(-6\). Dividing by \(-6\) will cancel out the multiplication.
03
Divide Both Sides by -6
Perform the division on both sides of the equation: \[x = \frac{102}{-6}\]
04
Simplify the Expression
Calculate the division \[x = \frac{102}{-6} = -17\].
05
Verify the Solution
Substitute \(-17\) back into the original equation to verify:\(-6(-17) = 102\), which simplifies to \(102 = 102\). The solution is correct.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Properties of Equality
When solving equations, one of the most fundamental concepts is the **Properties of Equality**. These rules allow us to maintain balance on both sides of an equation. Think of an equation as a balanced scale. Whatever you "do" to one side, you must also "do" to the other to keep it even.
The main properties include:
The main properties include:
- **Addition Property of Equality**: You can add the same number to both sides of an equation, and it will remain equal. For example, if \(a = b\), then \(a + c = b + c\).
- **Subtraction Property of Equality**: Similarly, subtracting the same number from both sides will also keep the equation balanced. If \(a = b\), then \(a - c = b - c\).
- **Multiplication Property of Equality**: Here, multiplying both sides by the same non-zero number keeps the equation intact. If \(a = b\), then \(ac = bc\).
- **Division Property of Equality**: Dividing both sides by the same non-zero number results in an equal equation as well. If \(a = b\), then \(\frac{a}{c} = \frac{b}{c}\), assuming \(c eq 0\).
Division in Algebra
**Division in Algebra** is a key operation, especially when it comes to solving equations. When an unknown variable, such as \(x\), is multiplied by a number, division is often the way we isolate the variable to find its value.
In the given problem, the equation \(-6x = 102\) means that \(x\) is being multiplied by \(-6\). To solve for \(x\), you need to perform the opposite operation, which is division. Here's how:
Always remember, division by zero is undefined, so be careful with equations where the divisor might be zero.
In the given problem, the equation \(-6x = 102\) means that \(x\) is being multiplied by \(-6\). To solve for \(x\), you need to perform the opposite operation, which is division. Here's how:
- Identify the coefficient you need to divide by, which is \(-6\) in this case.
- Divide both sides of the equation by \(-6\): \[ x = \frac{102}{-6} \]
- Perform the division to find \(x\): \[ x = -17 \]
Always remember, division by zero is undefined, so be careful with equations where the divisor might be zero.
Verifying Solutions
Once you solve an equation and obtain a value for the variable, the next important step is **Verifying Solutions**. This ensures that the solution is correct and makes the equation true when substituted back into the original.
In our example, after solving \(-6x = 102\), we found \(x = -17\). To verify:
Always verify your solutions to avoid errors and build confidence in solving equations.
In our example, after solving \(-6x = 102\), we found \(x = -17\). To verify:
- Substitute \(-17\) back into the original equation to replace \(x\).
- Perform the computation: \(-6(-17)\).
- Verify that both sides of the original equation equal one another: \(102 = 102\).
Always verify your solutions to avoid errors and build confidence in solving equations.