Solve for $x$.
$x + 5.98 = 7.21$
We are given a simple linear equation to solve:
\[x + 5.98 = 7.21\]
Our goal is to determine the value of \(x\) that satisfies this equation. The equation represents a relationship where the sum of an unknown value \(x\) and \(5.98\) results in \(7.21\). To find \(x\), we need to isolate it on one side of the equation.
To isolate \(x\), we subtract \(5.98\) from both sides of the equation:
\[x + 5.98 - 5.98 = 7.21 - 5.98\]
Since \(5.98 - 5.98 = 0\), the left side simplifies to \(x\). Now, we calculate the difference on the right side:
\[x = 7.21 - 5.98\]
Performing the subtraction:
\[7.21 - 5.98 = 1.23\]
Thus, the value of \(x\) is \(1.23\).
Imagine you have a budget of \(\$7.21\) for lunch. You have already spent \(\$5.98\) on a sandwich, and you want to know how much money remains to buy an apple. By setting up the equation \(x + 5.98 = 7.21\), where \(x\) is the cost of the apple, you can determine that you have \(\$1.23\) left. This simple algebraic process helps in managing everyday finances efficiently.