How do you solve #7y = - \frac { 14} { 5}#?

1 Answer
Mar 26, 2017

y = #-2/5#

Explanation:

We want to solve for y. The only way to make y stand alone is to divide both sides by 7

#cancel(7y)/cancel7# = #-14/5##-:# 7

Now write 7 as a fraction

y = #-14/5# #-:# #7/1#

Next, reciprocate #7/1# to #1/7# and change the dvision sign to multiplication

y = #-14/5# #*# #1/7#

Simplify

y = #-14/35#

7 is a common factor that can divide -14, -2 times as well as 35, 5 times

y = #-2/5#