How do you solve #-5+w/3=-1#?

1 Answer
Dec 28, 2016

#w = 12#

Explanation:

First, add #color(red)(5)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #w# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(5) - 5 + w/3 = color(red)(5) - 1#

#0 + w/3 = 4#

#w/3 = 4#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(3)# to solve for #w# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(3) * w/3 = color(red)(3) * 4#

#cancel(color(red)(3)) * w/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(3))) = 12#

#w = 12#