Exercise 24 Page 85

To solve the equation we have to isolate p on one side. By subtracting 7.1 from both sides, we can cancel out the 7.1 and isolate p.

-2.5=p+7.1

SubEqn

LHS-7.1=RHS-7.1

-2.5-7.1=p+7.1-7.1

SubTerms

Subtract terms

-9.6=p

RearrangeEqn

Rearrange equation

p=-9.6

We find p=-9.6 is the solution to the equation. To check that we have the correct solution, we can substitute p=-9.6 into the original equation and simplify.

-2.5=p+7.1

Substitute

p= 9.6

-2.5? = -9.6+7.1

CommutativePropAdd

Commutative Property of Addition

-2.5? = 7.1+(-9.6)

AddNeg

a+(- b)=a-b

-2.5? = 7.1-9.6

SubTerms

Subtract terms

-2.5=-2.5

Since the left-hand side and right-hand side are equal, p=-9.6 is the correct solution.