3. Solving Two-Step Equations
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Start by subtracting 5 from both sides.
z=- 12
To solve an equation, we should first gather all of the variable terms on one side and all of the constant terms on the other side using the Properties of Equality. In this case, the only variable term is already on the left-hand side of the equation, so we will start by subtracting 5 from both sides.
LHS-5=RHS-5
Subtract term
Put minus sign in denominator
LHS * (- 3)=RHS* (- 3)
- 3 * a/- 3= a
Multiply
The solution to the equation is z=- 12. We can check our solution by substituting it into the original equation.
z= - 12
Put minus sign in denominator
- a/- b=a/b
Calculate quotient
Add terms
Since the left-hand side is equal to the right-hand side, our solution is correct.