Compare both methods and see how and why you benefit from one or the other.
See solution.
Practice makes perfect
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.
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.
Step taken
Operation Done
1
Multiply by 1000
2
Add 4
3
Divide by 20
Meanwhile, in the second method we needed to complete only 2 operations.
Step taken
Operation Done
1
Divide by 0.02
2
Add 0.2
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.
