Asked by Kat

Okay, i need help. I'm solving linear equations in intermediate algebra. My problem is that I never know which number to subtract first.

Ex:
5y-8=-18

To get the right answer (-2), they move they add the 8 to both sides.

But on 27w-64=-37

They move the 37 to get the correct answer (1)

Help. All of my problems are set up the same, but each one needs a different side. How do I know which one to move?
Answered by Damon
27w-64=-37
I would add 64 to both sides
I want everything that is times w on one side
and
everything that is just a number on the other side
27 w - 64 + 64 = -37 + 64
27 w = 27 divide bot sides by 27 now
27 w/27 = 27/27
w = 1
Answered by Kat
That's not how they did it though.

I keep choosing the wrong side. I don't understand.
Answered by Damon
I can not imagine what they did and why.
But just remember you want to get your unknown variable (x or whatever) alone on one side (it does not matter which side really)
and you want to get everything else on the other side.
Answered by Damon
Like I could do this problem backwards

27w-64=-37
add 37 to both sides
27 w - 64+37 = -37 +37
27 w - 27 = 0
now add 27 to both sides
27 w = 27
w = 1
That is perfectly ok, but takes longer because it requires another step to get w alone on one side.
Answered by Kat
What about the other equation though? Because I'm doing some where if I pick the wrong side, the answer comes out with the wrong sign.
Answered by Damon
That should not happen if you do it correctly even if differently.
If you add the same thing to both sides, it does not change the answer.
If you subtract the same thing from both sides, it does not change the answer.
If you multiply every term on both sides by anything but zero, it does not change the answer.
If you divide everything on both sides by anything but zero, it does not change the answer.
If the answer changes, you made an arithmetic mistake.
Remember
-*- = +
-*+ = -
+*+ = +
Answered by Kat
Ugh. :(
Here's an example of what i'm doing:
MINE:
3y-18=-6y
3y+6y-18=-6y+6y
9y-18
9y/9 = -18/9
y=-2

Theirs:
3y-18=-6y
-3y+3y-18=-6y-3y
-9y/9y = -18/9
y=2

They're saying 2 is right. I'm so confused.
Answered by Damon
MINE:
3y-18=-6y
3y+6y-18=-6y+6y
9y-18 continue with right 9 y - 18 = 0
9y/9 = -18/9 then add 18 both sides 9 y=18
y=-2 then y = 2
Answered by Ulises
I really don't know how to solve this x+6y=24 3x-12y=-18
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