Question

What is the first step in solving the equation 3.5n+6.4=42.5?

Answer 1

The first step to solving your equation would be to subtract 6.4 from both sides.

3.5n+6.4=42.5
Subtract 6.4
3.5n=42.5

Answer 2

Subtract 6.4 from 42.5 so you can get 3.5n by itself.
42.5-6.4=36.1
then since you now have 3.5n by itself you are goin to divide 36.1 by 3.5
36.1/3.5=10.31
so n=10.31