What is -21c = 8 - 4c

Question

right now we are doing a lesson on equations with variables on both sides and it is really difficult for me. Can someone help. 

Answer 1

Hello, Alexis.  

 

If you have variables on both sides of the equation you need to ISOLATE the variable either on the right side or on the left side of the equation.  That means that you want all the constants on one side and the variable on the other side.  You can do this problem in four different ways.  We need to find the way that requires the least number of steps.

 

-21c= 8 - 4c                                  I am going to move the variable to the left by adding 4c to both sides.

+4c        +4c   

-17c =8                                         Divide both sides by the co-efficient of c which is -17.

     c= -8/17

 

Again, this is one of the 4 different ways you can do this problem. However, regardless which way you choose to do this problem, there is only one solution.  Now, don't forget to check your answer by plugging -8/17 back into the original equation.

 

Good luck.. and try not to fall behind.. because it is going to get a little more complicated latter on. 

 

D. Y. Taylor