So I've kinda stumbled on literal equations. I was completely fine until the numbers wentn away and now nothing makes sense. My problem is calculating what to do to each side and why--that's always the trouble. People are showing me what to do to both sides of the equation but not why you do that. I'm so stuck. Here's an example.
Solve for y.
x + a = yb

Question

So I've kinda stumbled on literal equations. I was completely fine until the numbers wentn away and now nothing makes sense. My problem is calculating what to do to each side and why--that's always the trouble.  People are showing me what to do to both sides of the equation but not why you do that. I'm so stuck. Here's an example.
Solve for y.
x + a = yb

rob1525 · Answer

No problem. In this problem we can think of the letter a and b as numbers. lets say x+ 2= y*2. What would you do in this problem?

anonymous · Answer

would I add -2?

rob1525 · Answer

To solve for y, you have to do the opposite operator which means that if 2 is multiplyed to y then you have to divide 2 to get y by itself.

anonymous · Answer

divide 2 by itself?