7/11 x + 21 = -889

Question

I was thinking I subtract 21 from both sides of the equation. Then I have to deal with the fraction. I use 11/7 as the reciprocal. When I went to check the answer on the calculator, I got a huge number with a decimal. Not good!

Answer 1

(7/11)x+21=-889

(7/11)x=-889-21

(7/11)x=-910

(11/7)(7/11)x=(11/7)(-910)

x=(11/7)(-910)

-910 is divisible by 7

x=(11)(-130)

x=-1430

Answer 2

OK, let's start with what you did - it sounds correct!

 

7x/11 + 21 = -889         

7x/11 = -910                   Multiply both sides by 11

7x = -10010                      Divide both sides by 7

x = -1430

 

Check:

 

7(-1430) / 11 + 21

-10010 / 11 + 21

-910 + 21

-889

 

OK?