Exercise 22 Page 115

We are given an equation and asked about the advantages of starting with multiplying by 1000 to clear the decimals versus starting with dividing by 0.02. 0.02x - 0.004 = 0.028 Let's have a look at both methods to compare them and then come to a conclusion.

Multiplying by 1000

Let's start with multiplying both sides of the equation by 1000 by the Multiplication Property of Equality.

Hence, the solution is x=1.6.

Dividing by 0.02

This time our first step will be to divide both sides of the equation by 0.02 with the Division Property of Equality.

We arrive at the solution x=1.6, as with the previous method.

Conclusion

We can see that both methods arrived to the same solution and simplified the decimal coefficients one way or another. However, for the first method, we completed 3 operations in order to isolate x.

Meanwhile, in the second method we needed to complete only 2 operations.

The disadvantage of starting with dividing by 0.02 is that decimals are sometimes seen as harder to work with. It may be more difficult to keep track of your calculations. However, both methods are equally valid and which method you choose depends on your comfort level with decimals.