To solve equation a:

ax * 17 - 29.8 = 13.72

First, let's isolate the term with x by moving the constant term to the other side:

ax * 17 = 13.72 + 29.8

ax * 17 = 43.52

Next, divide both sides of the equation by 17 to solve for x:

ax = 43.52 / 17

ax = 2.56

Finally, divide both sides of the equation by a to solve for x:

x = 2.56 / a

To solve equation b:

bx * 13.2 + 12.5 = 354.162

First, let's isolate the term with x by moving the constant term to the other side:

bx * 13.2 = 354.162 - 12.5

bx * 13.2 = 341.662

Next, divide both sides of the equation by 13.2 to solve for x:

bx = 341.662 / 13.2

bx = 25.92

Finally, divide both sides of the equation by b to solve for x:

x = 25.92 / b