1 minus 5(y) equals negative 2

Judy

GED
Student

question is 1 minus 5(y) equals negative 2

Hi Judy,

Think of the equation as a balance with equal weights on the two sides of the equal sign. You start with 1 - 5y on one side and -2 on the other.

1 - 5y = -2
The goal is to move the weights around, all the time maintaining the balance, and end with only y on the left side of the equal sign and a number on the right. That is

y = ?

To start, in the equation

1 - 5y = -2
I don't want the number 1 on the left side so add -1 to both sides. This will maintain the balance and give

1 - 5y - 1 = -2 - 1

-5y = -3
Now divide both sides by -5 to get

^-5y/_-5 = ^-3/_-5 or y = ³/₅

Cheers,
Penny Go to Math Central