How do you solve #4+y=16#?

2 Answers
Alan P.
Dec 31, 2016

Subtract #4# from both sides to get
#color(white)("XXX")color(green)(y=12)#

Explanation:

#4+ycolor(magenta)(-4) = 16color(magenta)(-4)#

#rarr y=12#

anor277
Dec 31, 2016

#y=16-4#

Explanation:

We have the equation, #4+y=16#.

We wish to get #y# on its own on one side of the equation. Clearly, if we subtract #4# FROM BOTH sides of the equation, the equality is maintained:

#4+y-4=16-4#, and thus,

#y=16-4=12............#

You will often hear your maths teacher say, #"subtract so much from each side"#, or #"add so much to each side"#.

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