This is SO simple, why can't I figure it out?

[LBRRIT2390]

This is SO simple, why can't I figure it out??

I need to figure out the length of 2 strings and L1+L2 = 4

I get to the point, using other parts of the problem that are not pertinent to this, of:
1.11L2 + L2 = 4

The answer is L2 = 1.9

HOW in the world does L2 work out to be 1.9?
How do you solve the above equation for L2?

Can someone please explain to me the algebra or some rule that I have forgotten that solves L2 as 1.9.

Thank you!

 

[Mark44]

1.11 L2 + L2 = 4
==> 2.11 L2 = 4
==> L2 = 1.8957 (approx.)

 

[HallsofIvy]

A slightly different way of looking at it. The "distributive law": ab+ cb= (a+ c)b.

In this case, (1.11L2+ L2)= (1.11+ 1)L2 = 2.11 L2 as Mark44 has.