How do I solve for #y# in #y/5-6=8#?
2 Answers
Explanation:
add
multiply
Isolate the term with the variable. Introduce a multiplication (or division) to turn the variable coefficient into 1. Double-check the answer.
Explanation:
We start with
#y/5-6=8#
Remember: this equation is like a balanced scale, with
Step 1: Isolate the
We can add 6 to both sides (a.k.a. make the
#y/5-6 color(red)(" "+6)=8color(red)(" "+6)#
#y/5cancel(-6)cancel(+6)=8+6#
#y/5color(white)(" "-6+6)=14#
Step 2: Turn the
In this form, the equation says that a fifth of
To solve for
#y/5color(red)(xx 5)" "=14 color(red)(xx 5)#
Multiplication by 5 and division by 5 are opposites; they cancel each other out.
#y/cancel(5)xxcancel(5)" "=14 xx 5#
#" "y" "=70#
Step 3: Double-check!
So apparently, when we divide 70 by 5, and then subtract 6, we should get 8. Is this true?
Substitute 70 for
#y/5-6stackrel(?" ")=8#
#color(red)70/5-6stackrel(?" ")=8#
#14-6stackrel(?" ")=8#
#" "8" "=8#
Since the equation holds, our answer of