Question

I need help with this equation. 9q - 14 + 3(q - 8) = 7 I looked it up and the answer was 3.75, however I don't understand how it works.

Answer 1

Parentheses first

9q-14+3q-3(8)=7
9q-14+3q-24=7

Combine like terms

9q + 3q - 14 - 24 = 7
12q -38=7

add 38 to both sides

12q - 38 + 38 = 7 + 38

12q = 45

divide both sides by 12

q = 45/12
q = 3.75