Question

Explain how to solve each equation for the indicated variable. 3m+7=y, for m

Answer 1

Answer

$m=\frac{y-7}{3}=\frac{y}{3}-\frac{7}{3}$

Explanation

Solving the equation means isolating the indicated variable, thus, from the given equation

$3m+7=y$

we can subtract 7 from both sides of the equation...

$3m+7-7=y-7$$3m=y-7$

And divide it into three:

$\frac{3m}{3}=\frac{y-7}{3}$$m=\frac{y-7}{3}$$m=\frac{y}{3}-\frac{7}{3}$

Summary

0. "Solving for a variable", means ",isolating for a variable".

,

1. To isolate/solve for m in the given equation, we have to ,take the 7 to the other side of the equation, (which is the same as ,subtracting 7 from both sides, of the equation and simplifying).

,

2. Next, we have to isolate the equation further to ,leave it in terms of m, (which would be the same as, dividing both sides of the equation over 3, and simplifying).