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.

Question

mathmale · Answer

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.

anonymous · Answer

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