How do you isolate #y^2# in #9x^2+7y^2=42#?

1 Answer
Jun 16, 2016

#y^2=(42-9x^2)/7=6-9/7x^2#

Explanation:

To isolate the #y^2# term leave it where it is on the left side and move the #9x^2# over to the right side with the 42.

This is achieved by subtracting #9x^2# from both sides.

#cancel(9x^2)+7y^2-cancel(9x^2)=42-9x^2#

#rArr7y^2=42-9x^2#

To isolate #y^2# divide both sides by 7

#(cancel(7) y^2)/cancel(7)=(42-9x^2)/7rArry^2=(42-9x^2)/7#

Which may also be expressed as #6-9/7x^2#

by dividing each term on the numerator of the fraction by 7.

#42/7-(9x^2)/7=6-9/7x^2#

#rArry^2=(42-9x^2)/7=6-9/7x^2#