Question

find the missing distance x in the drawing.
x = □ in. (type a whole number or a decimal.)

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed number to decimal

$15\frac{3}{4}=15 + \frac{3}{4}=15+0.75 = 15.75$

Step2: Set up the equation

The total length is $15.75$. We know two of the segments are $6.43$ and $7.07$. Let $x$ be the unknown segment. Then $x+6.43 + 7.07=15.75$

Step3: Simplify the left - hand side

Using the associative property of addition, $x+(6.43 + 7.07)=x + 13.5$

Step4: Solve for $x$

Subtract $13.5$ from both sides of the equation: $x=15.75-13.5$

Step5: Calculate the value of $x$

$x = 2.25$

Answer:

$2.25$