How do you solve and check #-15p - 5( 2- 4p ) = 3( p - 2) - 10#?

1 Answer
Dec 18, 2016

The solution is: #p = -3#

And the check shows: #-25 = -25#

Explanation:

To solve this, first, expand the terms in parenthesis paying close attention to the signs inside and outside the parenthesis:

#-15p - (5*2) + (5*4p) = (3*p) - (3*2) - 10#

#-15p - 10 + 20p = 3p - 6 - 10#

Now we are able to group and combine like terms on each side of the equation:

#-15p + 20p - 10 = 3p - 16#

#(-15 + 20)p - 10 = 3p - 16#

#5p - 10 = 3p - 16#

Next, we can isolate the #p# terms on one side of the equation and the constants on the other while maintaining the balance of the equation:

#5p - 10 color(red)( + 10 - 3p) = 3p - 16color(red)( + 10 - 3p)#

5p - 0 - 3p = 0 - 16 + 10#

#5p - 3p = -16 + 10#

#(5 - 3)p = -6#

#2p = -6#

Finally, to complete the solution we can solve for #p# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(2p)/color(red)(2) = -6/color(red)(2)#

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

#p = -3#

To check this solution we must substitute #-3# for every occurrence of #p# in the original equation and calculate the results:

#-15p - 5(2 - 4p) = 3(p - 2) - 10#

#(-15*-3) - 5(2 - (4*-3)) = 3(-3 - 2) - 10#

#45 - 5(2 - -12) = (3*-5) - 10#

#45 - 5(2 + 12) = -15 - 10#

#45 - 5(14) = -25#

#45 - 70 = -25#

#-25 = -25#