<PRE><B>Question 542330</B>
&lt;br&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Tahoma&quot;&gt;Yes, multiplying both sides of the equation will make this MUCH easier to work with (in theory):&lt;br&gt;

{{{(x-17.7)+19.6=27.8}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{x-17.7+19.6=27.8}}}&lt;br&gt;

Now multiply both sides of the equation by 10 (by multiplying EACH term by 10).&lt;br&gt;

{{{10*x-10*17.7+10*19.6=10*27.8}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{10x-177+196=278}}}&lt;br&gt;

Looks a bit simpler to solve, doesn&#39;t it?&lt;br&gt;

Now solve the equation as normal:&lt;br&gt;

{{{10x-177+196=278}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{10x+19=278}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{10x=259}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{x=259/10}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{x=25.9}}}&lt;br&gt;

You would get the same answer if you DIDN&#39;T clear out the decimals by multiplying both sides of the equation by 10.&lt;br&gt;

In some cases it can be really helpful, not really all that much in this case.&lt;br&gt;

You can also use a similar method to clear out fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation (each term) by the Least Common Denominator of the fractions.&lt;br&gt;

I hope this helps!&lt;br&gt;</PRE>