How do you solve 4+y=16?

2 Answers
Dec 31, 2016

Subtract 4 from both sides to get
color(white)("XXX")color(green)(y=12)

Explanation:

4+ycolor(magenta)(-4) = 16color(magenta)(-4)

rarr y=12

Dec 31, 2016

y=16-4

Explanation:

We have the equation, 4+y=16.

We wish to get y on its own on one side of the equation. Clearly, if we subtract 4 FROM BOTH sides of the equation, the equality is maintained:

4+y-4=16-4, and thus,

y=16-4=12............

You will often hear your maths teacher say, "subtract so much from each side", or "add so much to each side".