ANSWERS: 2
  • Try 'collecting terms', i.e., grouping all the factors containing p together on one side of the equation, and all the constants on the other side. You can do this by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the same thing to both sides of the equation, until you end up with p = <some value> Given: 5p - 1 = 2p + 20 Subtract 2p from both sides: (5p - 2p) - 1 = 20 Add 1 to both sides: (5p - 2p) = 20 + 1 Simplify: 3p = 21 Almost there. Now divide both sides by 3: p = 21/3 p = 7 ...and that's the answer. Not really so hard. Final check: Put p=7 back into the original equation & make sure left & right sides of equation are really equal: 5p - 1 = 5*7 - 1 = 34 2p + 20 = 2*7 + 20 = 34 34 = 34 CHECK!
  • 2-16-2017 The rule is you can do any valid operation on both sides of an equation and it will still be equal. Add 1 to both sides. 5p = 2p + 21 Now subtract 2p. 3p = 21 And divide by 3. p = 7

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