Work Problem

Question

I can layout the work problem like this:

 

1/8+1/x=1/4.8

 

I get stuck on the decimal, whats the best way to solve this when the problem has a decimal?

 

Answer 1

Cannot say it is the "best" way"

 

1/8 + 1/x = 1/4.8

4.8/8 + 4.8/x = 1      multiply both sides by 4.8

0.6 + 4.8/x = 1         simplify

4.8/x = 1 - 0.6          subtract 0.6 form both sides

4.8/x = 0.4               simplify

4.8/x = 4/10             convert to fraction

x/4.8 = 10/4             reciprocals are equal

x/4.8 = 2.5               convert to decimal

x = 12                     multiply both sides by 4.8