## Compassionate one year ago Why are we making them whole numbers? Can't we just keep them in their decimal form? http://prntscr.com/8kjwr5

1. zepdrix

Yes, we can keep them as decimals. But as is with fractions, likewise, no one really likes decimals. :) Whole numbers are easier to work with.

2. Compassionate

So, if I had 8.5y + 5.3x = 2,300 I could just solve like normal with the decimals. If I wanted to solve for x, I could say 2,300 - 5.3x = 8.5y Where would fractions even come in with?

3. zepdrix

Example:$\large\rm \frac{4}{3}x+\frac{2}{21}y=10$Hmm the fractions are annoying, I would probably choose to multiply both sides by 21 here.$\large\rm 4\cdot7x+2y=10\cdot21$Which is just a little easier to work with. $\large\rm 28x+2y=210$Especially if you're given a system, and you're going to use the elimination method.

4. zepdrix

If you have a system of equations, it's a lot more difficult to "cancel out" one of the variables if it's a decimal value. If I have 8y and y, I know that by multiplying the first equation by 8 will match the y's up. If Instead I have y and .08y, It means I have to multiply every number in the first equation by .08 to match them up, which is kind of a hassle.

5. Compassionate

Understandable. I'd rather just work with the fractions. The lingo mingo making thingos a whole numbero just seems a lot of hassle and out of my way-o. Thanks man