Jade,

You found the first two values, if x=-2 y=-16 and if x=3 y=-1, by substituting into the equation. Let's do another.

When x = 2 then y = 3x - 10 = 3 × 2 - 10 = 6 - 10 = -4.
Thus when x = 2 then y = -4.

But you asked "if y=2 what is x?" Let me change the number and ask "if y=5 what is x?" Again you substitute into the equation but substitute for y not x.

If y = 5 then 3x - 10 = 5. To solve for x first add 10 to each side to get

3x - 10 + 10 = 5 + 10 or 3x = 15.

Now divide both sides by 3 to get

3x/3 = 15/3 or x = 5.

Thus when y = 5 then x = 3.

What is x when y = 2?

Penny