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!
