1) s - | -4 | = 7.3 First, simplify | -4 | to 4. / Your problem should look like: s - 4 = 7.3 . Second, add 4 to both sides. / Your problem should look like: s = 7.3 + 4. Third, simplify 7.3 + 4 to get 11.3. / Your problem should look like: s = 11.3, which is your answer. 2) p + = -12 First, simplify to . / Your problem should look like: p + = -12. Second, simplify to 4. / Your problem should look like: p - 4 = -12. Third, add 4 to both sides. / Your problem should look like: p = -12 + 4. Fourth, simplify -12 + 4 to -8. / Your problem should look like: p = -8, which is your answer.