How do you solve #9p + 5- p = - 7#?

2 Answers
Apr 9, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, group and combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

#9p + 5 - p = -7#

#9p - p + 5 = -7#

#9p - 1p + 5 = -7#

#(9 - 1)p + 5 = -7#

#8p + 5 = -7#

Next, subtract #color(red)(5)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #p# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#8p + 5 - color(red)(5) = -7 - color(red)(5)#

#8p + 0 = -12#

#8p = -12#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(8)# to solve for #p# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(8p)/color(red)(8) = -12/color(red)(8)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(8)))p)/cancel(color(red)(8)) = (4 xx -3)/color(red)(4 xx 2)#

#p = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4))) xx -3)/color(red)(color(black)(cancel(color(red)(4))) xx 2)#

#p = -3/2#

Apr 9, 2017

#p = -1.5#

Explanation:

Your main goals are to get #p# alone, and all like terms on one side!

First, subtract #5# so you can put the like terms together (#9p# and #-p#). Remember, what you do to one side must be done to the other. now your equation is

#9p-p= -7-5#

Now solve for the like terms (#9p# and #-p# and #-7# and #-5#), which gives you

#8p = -12#

To get #p# alone, divide both sides by #8# (what you do to one side must be done to the other). you now have your solution!

#p = -1.5#