Solve: -3+5y = 42
Answer
y = 9
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Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Expand and simplify the left-hand side: -3+5y = 5y - 3
- Expand and simplify the right-hand side: 42 = 42
- Move every term to one side so the equation reads "...= 0": 5y - 45 = 0
- This is a linear equation of the form ay+b=0, with a=5 and b=-45.
- Solve for y: y = -b/a = -(-45)/5 = 9
Theory & Definitions
A linear equation in one unknown can always be rearranged into the form ay+b=0 (a≠0), which has exactly one solution: y = -b/a.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the solution to -3+5y = 42?
y = 9.