What is the value of x in the following equation?
\(8.5 - \left{ {5\frac{1}{2} - \left( {7\frac{1}{2} + 2.8 \div x} \right)} \right} \times 4.25 \div {\left( {0.2} \right)^2} = 306\)
- AOption (a)
2.5
- BOption (b)
3.08
- COption (c)
3.5
- DOption (d)
1.8
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
3.5
Why this answer is correct
Given Equation:
8.5 - { 5½ - ( 7½ + 2.8 / x ) } × 4.25 ÷ (0.2)² = 306
Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions:
5½ = 11/2 and 7½ = 15/2
Rewrite the equation:
8.5 - { 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } × 4.25 ÷ (0.2)² = 306
Calculate (0.2)²:
(0.2)² = 0.04
Rewrite the equation with 0.04:
8.5 - { 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } × 4.25 / 0.04 = 306
Calculate 4.25 / 0.04:
4.25 / 0.04 = 106.25
Rewrite the equation:
8.5 - { 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } × 106.25 = 306
Move 8.5 to the right side:
{ 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } × 106.25 = 306 - 8.5
{ 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } × 106.25 = 297.5
Divide both sides by 106.25:
{ 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } = 297.5 / 106.25
Calculate (297.5 / 106.25):
{ 11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) } = 2.8
Set up the final equation:
11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) = -2.8
Convert -2.8 to fraction:
-2.8 = -14/5
Substitute:
11/2 - ( 15/2 + 2.8 / x ) = -14/5
Find a common denominator:
The common denominator for 2 and 5 is 10:
55/10 - ( 75/10 + 2.8 / x ) = -28/10
Simplifying:
55/10 - 75/10 - 2.8 / x = -28/10
Combine terms:
-20/10 - 2.8 / x = -28/10
Which simplifies to:
-2 - 2.8 / x = -2.8
Add 2 to both sides:
-2.8 / x = -0.8
Multiply both sides by -1:
2.8 / x = 0.8
Cross-multiplying gives:
2.8 = 0.8x
Now, divide both sides by 0.8:
x = 2.8 / 0.8 = 3.5
Conclusion:
The correct value of x is 3.5.