Question

Solve for p: 3p + 8 = 5p - 2. Could someone please show this step by step? I am trying to refresh my memory as I'll be helping a friend's son soon.

Answer 1

Consolidate like terms. In other words, subtract 3p from both sides of the equation, so that both p terms are on the right. Result: 8 = 5p - 3p - 2; add 2 to both sides to get the constant terms on the left: 8 + 2 = 2p -2 +2 => 10 = 2p, or 2p = 10. Then p = 5.

Answer 2

Thanks very much! That helps me fill in all the steps so that I can show him how to work these multi-step equations.