Steps for Solving an Equation with One Variable

• Distribute

• Combine Like Terms

• Move the Variable

• Undo Addition/Subtraction

• Undo Multiplication/Division

Remember that there are Properties of Equality that we can use to justify each step of what we do when we solve an equation.

But what were those properties again?

DISTRIBUTE FIRST!

That means we multiply the 5 times the 1 AND multiply 5 times -8p.

COMBINE LIKE TERMS

Like terms that are on the SAME SIDE of the equal sign can be combined. Numbers that both do not have variables are like terms, which is why we combine 5 and +2.

SUBTRACTION PROPERTY

You do not need to move any variables (because there is only one variable on one side). So we go to undoing addition or subtraction. Remember to work from the outside in toward the variable. So subtracting 7 from both sides is what we do.

DIVISION PROPERTY

In order to get the variable by itself we need to undo the multiplication of -40. We use division to undo multiplication, so dividing by -40 on both sides is what we should do.

Remember you can always CHECK your answer!

To check if a solution is correct, you can substitute the answer back in to the original equation and see if it gives you a "true" equality.