Exercise 2 Page 461

b = - 6

Practice makes perfect

To solve the equation, we have to isolate b on one side. Using the Division Property of Equality, we will divide both sides of the equation by - 2.4. This will eliminate the multiplication and isolate b.

14.4 = - 2.4b

.LHS /- 2.4.=.RHS /- 2.4.

14.4/- 2.4 = - 2.4b/- 2.4

Cancel out common factors

14.4/- 2.4 = - 2.4b/- 2.4

Simplify quotient

14.4/- 2.4 = b

Put minus sign in front of fraction

- 14.4/2.4 = b

Calculate quotient

- 6 = b

Rearrange equation

b = - 6

To check that this solution is correct, let's substitute b = - 6 into the original equation and simplify.

14.4 = - 2.4b

b= - 6

14.4 ? =- 2.4( - 6)

- a(- b)=a* b

14.4 ? = 2.4(6)

14.4 = 14.4 ✓

Since the left-hand side and right-hand side are equal, b = - 6 is the correct solution.

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