Solve the Linear Equation: 4 = 3y Step-by-Step

To isolate the variable y, you need to undo the multiplication by 3. Since $3y$ means 3 times y, you divide both sides by 3 to cancel it out.

Divide 4 by 3: 4 ÷ 3 = 1 remainder 1. So $\frac{4}{3} = 1\frac{1}{3}$. The whole number is the quotient, and the remainder becomes the new numerator.

Yes! $\frac{4}{3}$ is mathematically correct. However, mixed numbers like $1\frac{1}{3}$ are often preferred because they're easier to visualize and understand.

That would give you $12 = 9y$, making the problem more complicated! When the variable has a coefficient, always divide by that coefficient to isolate it quickly.

Substitute back: $3 \times 1\frac{1}{3} = 3 \times \frac{4}{3} = \frac{12}{3} = 4$. Since this equals the original right side, your answer is correct!