High School

A number was divided by 176.9. This quotient was then multiplied by 4, after which the resulting product was added to 10.2. Given that this sum totaled -38.6, find the initial number.

Answer :

9514 1404 393

Answer:

-14.5

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the number be represented by x.

176.9/x . . . . the quotient of some number divided into 176.9

4(176.9/x) . . . . the quotient multiplied by 4

10.2 + 4(176.9/x) . . . . the product added to 10.2

And that totals -38.6:

-38.6 = 10.2 +4(176.9/x)

Solution

-48.8 = 4(176.9/x) . . . . subtract 10.2

-12.2 = 176.9/x . . . . . . . divide by 4

x = 176.9/(-12.2) . . . . . multiply by x/-12.2

x = -14.5 . . . . . . . . . . . finish the division

The initial number is -14.5.