Question

How do you solve `4= 2( j - 7)`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(2)` to eliminate the parenthesis while keeping the equation balanced:

`4/color(red)(2) = (2(j - 7))/color(red)(2)`

`2 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))(j - 7))/cancel(color(red)(2))`

`2 = j - 7`

Now, add `color(red)(7)` to each side of the equation to solve for `j` while keeping the equation balanced:

`2 + color(red)(7) = j - 7 + color(red)(7)`

`9 = j - 0`

`9 = j`

`j = 9`

Answer 2

`J=9`

Explanation:

First, with any equation we would expand the bracket:

`2 xx j =2j`

`2 xx -7=-14`

`therefore` `4=2(j-7) -> 2=2j-14`

We would like the `J` on one side, therefore we do the opposite to `-14` which is to `+14` to both sides.

`4=2j-14 -> 18=2j`

Solve for `J`...

`j=18/2=9`