Solving for y in an Equation: -2(-4+y)-y=0

Linear Equations with Distribution and Combining Terms

Solve for y:

2(4+y)y=0 -2(-4+y)-y=0

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's solve this math problem together.
00:10 First, open the parentheses carefully. Multiply each term inside by the factors outside. Take your time.
00:21 Now, let's collect all the like terms. This will simplify the equation.
00:28 Next, arrange the equation so that the unknown variable, Y, is on just one side.
00:35 Good job! Now, isolate Y to find its value.
00:43 Let's break down the fraction into a whole number and a remainder. Keep going, you're doing great!
00:54 Now, convert the fraction into a whole number. Almost there.
01:02 And that's how we find the solution to this question. Well done!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for y:

2(4+y)y=0 -2(-4+y)-y=0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 2(4+y)y=0-2(-4 + y) - y = 0, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Distribute 2 -2 inside the parenthesis.
  • Step 2: Simplify and combine like terms.
  • Step 3: Solve the equation for yy.

Let's proceed with the solution:

Step 1: Distribute 2-2 in the expression 2(4+y)-2(-4 + y). This will transform the expression as follows:

2(4+y)=2×4+(2)×y=82y-2(-4 + y) = -2 \times -4 + (-2) \times y = 8 - 2y.

After distributing, the equation becomes:

82yy=08 - 2y - y = 0.

Step 2: Combine like terms. Notice that 2yy-2y - y is equivalent to 3y-3y:

83y=08 - 3y = 0.

Step 3: Solve for yy. First, isolate the term with yy by subtracting 8 from both sides:

3y=8-3y = -8.

Next, divide both sides by 3-3 to find yy:

y=83=83y = \frac{-8}{-3} = \frac{8}{3}.

Thus, the solution for yy is 83\frac{8}{3}, which can be written as a mixed number:

y=223y = 2\frac{2}{3}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is y=223y = 2\frac{2}{3}.

3

Final Answer

y=223 y=2\frac{2}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution: Multiply each term inside parentheses by the outside factor
  • Technique: Combine like terms: -2y - y = -3y before solving
  • Check: Substitute y=223 y = 2\frac{2}{3} back into original equation ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute the negative sign correctly
    Don't distribute -2(-4 + y) as -8 + 2y = wrong signs! This gives you 8 + 2y instead of 8 - 2y, leading to the wrong answer. Always remember that multiplying two negatives gives a positive, and negative times positive gives negative.

Practice Quiz

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\( 5x=1 \)

What is the value of x?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I get a mixed number as my answer?

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Mixed numbers like 223 2\frac{2}{3} are just another way to write improper fractions! 83=223 \frac{8}{3} = 2\frac{2}{3} because 8 ÷ 3 = 2 remainder 2.

How do I distribute a negative number correctly?

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When distributing -2, multiply it by each term: -2 × (-4) = +8 and -2 × y = -2y. Remember that negative times negative equals positive!

What does 'combine like terms' mean exactly?

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Like terms have the same variable with the same power. So -2y and -y are like terms because they both have y. Add their coefficients: -2y + (-y) = -3y.

Can I solve this equation a different way?

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Yes! You could move all terms to one side first, but distributing first is usually easier. The key is being systematic: distribute, combine, then isolate the variable.

How do I check if my answer is correct?

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Substitute y=83 y = \frac{8}{3} back into the original equation: 2(4+83)83 -2(-4 + \frac{8}{3}) - \frac{8}{3} . If you get 0, you're right!

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