Chapter 3: Problem 53
Solve the equation \(z=\frac{x-m}{s}\) for the variable \(m\) using the given values of \(z, s,\) and \(x\) $$z=1.28, s=3.8, \text { and } x=10.164$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( m \) is 5.3.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the initial equation
We start with the equation given in the problem: \( z = \frac{x-m}{s} \). This equation defines \( z \) as a standardized score.
02
Substitute the known values
We substitute the known values into the equation: \( z = 1.28 \), \( x = 10.164 \), and \( s = 3.8 \). This results in the equation \( 1.28 = \frac{10.164 - m}{3.8} \).
03
Solve for m
Begin by eliminating the fraction. Multiply both sides of the equation by \( s \) to clear the fraction: \( 1.28 \times 3.8 = 10.164 - m \). Simplify the left side to find \( 4.864 = 10.164 - m \).
04
Isolate m
To solve for \( m \), subtract \( 10.164 \) from both sides of the equation: \( 4.864 - 10.164 = -m \). This simplifies to \( -5.3 = -m \).
05
Solve for m
Since \( -5.3 = -m \), we can multiply both sides by \( -1 \) to find \( m = 5.3 \). Thus, we have the value of \( m \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Equations
Linear equations are fundamental in algebra and represent expre​ssions where the variable is raised to the first power only. In a linear equation, the relationship between variables is directly proportional, meaning if one variable increases, the other changes at a constant rate. Given the equation \( z = \frac{x-m}{s} \), we are dealing with a simple linear expression where \( z \) is related to \( x \), \( m \), and \( s \) through operations of subtraction and division.
- Understanding the structure of linear equations is crucial because it tells us that variables can be isolated using basic algebraic operations.
- It's important to identify which variable you are solving for, which in this case is \( m \).
Standardized Score
A standardized score, often denoted as \( z \), is a way of scaling individual data points to a common standard. This allows for comparison across different data sets. The formula \( z = \frac{x-m}{s} \) reflects how far and in what direction a data point \( x \) deviates from the mean \( m \), measured in terms of the standard deviation \( s \).
- Think of the standardized score as a universal translator for data points, which makes comparisons simpler and clearer.
- In the given problem, \( z = 1.28 \) suggests that the data point \( x = 10.164 \) is 1.28 standard deviations away from the mean \( m \).
Solving for Variables
Solving for variables is a common task in algebra, requiring the isolation of one variable so that its value can be determined. In the equation \( 1.28 = \frac{10.164 - m}{3.8} \), solving for \( m \) involves a series of methodical steps:
- First, eliminate fractions by multiplying both sides by the denominator, \( s \), to simplify the equation.
- Next, rearrange the equation by performing algebraic operations like addition or subtraction to isolate \( m \).
- Finally, ensure the variable is completely isolated, which might involve multiplying or dividing both sides by a constant.