Question

How do you solve `3(p+2)-7p=18`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms in parenthesis on the left side of the equation:

`(3 xx p) + (3 xx 2) - 7p = 18`

`3p + 6 - 7p = 18`

Next, group and combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

`3p - 7p + 6 = 18`

`(3 - 7)p + 6 = 18`

`-4p + 6 = 18`

Then, subtract `color(red)(6)` from each side of the equation to isolate the `p` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`-4p + 6 - color(red)(6) = 18 - color(red)(6)`

`-4p + 0 = 12`

`-4p = 12`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(-4)` to solve for `p` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(-4p)/color(red)(-4) = 12/color(red)(-4)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-4)))p)/cancel(color(red)(-4)) = -3`

`p = -3`