Equations with Parentheses, Decimals, & Fractions Quick Check

Question

What is the second step in solving for n in the equation 5.6 (n + 1.42) = 7.8?
Subtract 1.42 from both sides.
Multiply both sides by 5.6.
Add 1.42 to both sides
Subtract 5.6 from both sides.

Answer 1

To solve the equation \( 5.6(n + 1.42) = 7.8 \), the first step is to divide both sides by \( 5.6 \) to isolate \( (n + 1.42) \). However, since you're asking for the second step, it’s important to note that the first operation is multiplying or distributing \( 5.6 \) across the parentheses.

The steps would look like this:

1. First step: Divide both sides by \( 5.6 \): \[ n + 1.42 = \frac{7.8}{5.6} \]

2. Second step: Subtract \( 1.42 \) from both sides to isolate \( n \): \[ n = \frac{7.8}{5.6} - 1.42 \]

Therefore, the answer to your question is:

Subtract 1.42 from both sides.