One-step equations
Solve for w. 5(w - 3) = 45
What is 12? First we must apply the distributive property by multiplying 5 by each term in the parenthesis. 5 x w = 5w. 5 x -3 = - 15. New equation: 5w - 15 = 45 +15 +15 5w = 60 Since w is being multiplied by 5, you must divide each side by 5. 60 divided by 5 = 12.
Solve for y. 6(y + 4) = 2(y + 8)
What is -2? First we must apply the distributive property TWICE. 1. 6 x y = 6y and 6 x 4 = 24 2. 2 x y = 2y and 2 x 8 = 16 New equation. 6y + 24 = 2y + 16 -2y -2y 4y + 24 = 16 - 24 = -24 4y = -8 Since y is being multiplied by 4, divide each side by 4. -8 divided by 4 = -2