Question

Determining the Next Step
Examine the first two steps used to solve the equation.

3
4
(20y − 8) + 5 = 1
2
y + 1
4
(20y + 8)



1. 15y − 6 + 5 = 1
2
y + 5y + 2

2. 15y − 1 = 11
2
y + 2

Which would be a good third step to solve the equation?
Combine like terms StartFraction 11 Over 2 EndFractiony and 2.

Distribute 15 to each term on the left side.
Subtract StartFraction 11 Over 2 EndFractiony from each side of the equation.
Divide each side of the equation by 2.

Answer 1

Subtract StartFraction 11 Over 2 EndFraction y from each side of the equation.

This gives (15 − 11/2)y − 1 = 2, which isolates the y-terms so you can solve for y (leading to y = 6/19).