Question

which number can each term of the equation be multiplied by to eliminate the decimals before solving?
-m + 0.02 + 2.1m = -1.45 - 4.81m

○ 0.01
○ 0.1
○ 10
○ 100

Explanation:

Step1: Identify decimal places

Look at each decimal number in the equation: \(0.02\) (2 decimal places), \(2.1\) (1 decimal place), \(1.45\) (2 decimal places), \(4.81\) (2 decimal places). The maximum number of decimal places is 2.

Step2: Determine multiplier

To eliminate decimals, we multiply by \(10^n\) where \(n\) is the maximum decimal places. Here, \(n = 2\), so \(10^2=100\). Multiplying each term by 100 will convert all decimals to whole numbers. For example, \(0.02\times100 = 2\), \(2.1\times100=210\), \(1.45\times100 = 145\), \(4.81\times100=481\).

Answer:

100 (the option corresponding to 100, e.g., if the options are labeled as above, the answer is the option with 100, so in the given options, it's the last option: 100)