Question 7103
Let's take it from the point where you got {{{ 3x - 1/2 = 16 }}}. You don't need to do any cross-multiplying because the 2 is NOT a denominator of the entire expression on the left hand side of the equals sign. the -1/2 really is -0.5. So, your equation would be {{{ 3x - 0.5 = 16 }}} - just like any normal linear equation.


So, going on further, you'll get {{{ 3x = 16.5 }}} <---- 0.5 added to both sides. When you finally solve for x, x = 5.5.