Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality: example 8.7

Solve: $3 (n - 4) - 2 n = −3 .$

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Solve: $5 (p - 3) - 4 p = −10 .$

How did it go?


Distribute on the left.
Use the Commutative Property to rearrange terms.
Combine like terms.
Isolate n using the Addition Property of Equality.
Simplify.
Check. Substitute $n = 9$ into the original equation. The solution checks.


Distribute on the left.
Use the Commutative Property to rearrange terms.
Combine like terms.
Isolate n using the Addition Property of Equality.
Simplify.
Check. Substitute $n = 9$ into the original equation. The solution checks.