Solve the equation x = 3b + 2y for y.

Question

My son and I arguing over the answer. He is stating a negative can't be in the numerator. Teacher said allegedly said answer is y = (x+3b)/2 but seems like it should be y = (x-3b)/2 .

Answer 1

x = 3b + 2y

 

Subtract 3b from both sides.

 

x - 3b = 2y

 

Divide both sides by 2.

 

y = (x - 3b)/2

 

You are correct.  Furthermore, there can certainly be a negative quantity in a numerator, so I do not know where that one came from.