Posted by charlotte.skinner@uc.edu (202.156.2.130) on January 05, 2003 at 06:17:35:
In Reply to: i dont understand how to do some problems!!! posted by on January 04, 2003 at 11:16:51:
Hi!
Do you know how to combine like terms? For example, 4x-8-3x+5=??? Can you solve the equation x+2=8? How about 3x+4=1? If not, either look at the lesson I've attached, or look at the examples in your book and notes.
In general, your goal is to isolate the variable. To do that, you need to remove the constants (numbers) that are in the way. You can do that by using the Properties of Equality: applying the same operation to both sides of the equation to keep it balanced. Whatever you're trying to remove, use the OPPOSITE operation. For example, if you want to get rid of a term being added, (like the 2 in x+2=8) subtract it from both sides. If you're trying to get rid of a factor that's being multiplied (like the -7 in -7y = 35), divide both sides by it.
If you're comfortable with solving those 2 equations I gave you, the ones you're stuck on aren't much more difficult. In the first one, you need to combine like terms (p's on one side, constants on the other). In the 2nd one, you need to use the distributive property to eliminate the parentheses first. 5(m-3)=????
Once you've done that, the 2nd one is very similar to the first.
Post another message if that doesn't help. Good luck!
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