To solve the equation \(-1.5u - 7 = 5.5\), follow these steps:
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Add 7 to both sides to isolate the term with \(u\):
\[ -1.5u - 7 + 7 = 5.5 + 7 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ -1.5u = 12.5 \]
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Divide both sides by -1.5 to solve for \(u\):
\[ u = \frac{12.5}{-1.5} \]
Simplifying the right side:
\[ u = -\frac{12.5}{1.5} \]
To make calculations easier, multiply the numerator and denominator by 10:
\[ u = -\frac{125}{15} \]
Now simplify:
\[ u = -\frac{25}{3} \]
Thus, the solution is:
\[ u = -\frac{25}{3} \approx -8.33 \]