How do you simplify #5(u-5)-5=-6(-5u+6)-9u#?

1 Answer
Dec 17, 2016

#u = 3/8#

Explanation:

First, on each side of the equation, expand the terms in parenthesis and then group and combine like terms:

#5u - 25 - 5 = 30u - 36 - 9u#

#5u + (-25 - 5) = 30u - 9u - 36#

#5u - 30 = (30 - 9)u - 36#

#5u - 30 = 21u - 36#

Now we can isolate the #u# term on one side of the equation and the constants on the other side of the equation while keeping the equation balanced:

#5u - 5u - 30 + 36 = 21u - 5u - 36 + 36#

#0 - 30 + 36 = (21u - 5u) - 0#

#6 = 16u#

Next, we can solve for #u# while keeping the equation balanced:

#6/16 = (16u/16)#

#3/8 = (cancel(16)u)/cancel(16)#

#3/8 = u#