Question

Solve for P: 9(p−4)=−18 Please Explain

Answer 1

Answer:

p = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Happy to help.

When we have numbers in parenthesis, we generally want to deal with those first. However, we can hit a rough patch when a variable is in there. Consider this:

2(3 + 4) = 2(7), or 14.

But, the two can also be distributed into both numbers in the parenthesis, like this:

2(3 + 4) = 2*3 + 2*4

That leaves us with the same answer—14! We can apply this to a variable, and that will help us figure out 9(p - 4), or the left side of your equation you presented.

9(p - 4) = -18

9*p - 9*4 = -18

9p - 36 = -18

Add 36 on both sides to isolate the variable (in this case, p)

9p = -18 + 36

You can also write it like this; 9p = 36 - 18

9p = 18

Divide 9 to isolate p

p = 2

So, we would get (p = 2). Make sure to practice a few more questions like these to really get the hang of it—you'll be using this a lot in the future!

Good luck!