2/3y +14 - 1/6y = 8

Answer 1

When doing a problem like this, always start by trying to make it SIMPLE.

One thing to check first in an math "sentence" like the one above is Are there any LIKE terms?

In the sentence above there are some of these. The 2/3y and the -1/6y are like terms. AND the +14 and the 8 are also like terms.

To solve this equation, be very careful to watch each step.

Start by moving the terms around: (The commutative property says you can do this)

2/3y -1/6y +14 = 8

Now make the fractions into fractions with common denominators so you can add them:

2/3y could be written as the equivalent fraction 4/6y

So now you have:

4/6y -1/6y +14 = 8

That can be simplified by adding the negative and positive terms of y:

3/6y +14 = 8

But you still have a term on each side of the = sign that is a constant-- the +14 on one side, and the 8 on the other.

To "move the +14, you have to subtract 14 from both sides of the equation. (Anything you do to one side, you must also do to the other)

So that looks like this:

3/6y +14 -14 = 8 -14

Now simplify:

+14 and -14 cancel each other out, and on the other side 8 plus a negative 14 is a negative 6

So your new sentence is:

3/6y = -6

Now you need to get rid of the fraction that is a co-efficient of y. To do this you have to multiply 3/6 by 6/3, which will equal 1. BUT remember, anything you do to one side of the equation, you have to do to the other. SO:

6/3 * 3/6y = -6 * 6/3

1y = -36/3

y = -12

There are a lot of words here. We would have a much easier time talking about this. I would love to help you do these types of questions, step by step. Please contact me for a session if you need more help!

Answer 2

2/3y +14 - 1/6y = 8

4/6y + 14 - 1/6y = 8

3/6y = -6

y = -36/3 = -12