How do you solve #107=272-w#?
1 Answer
Subtract 272 from both sides and then multiply both sides by -1. w=165.
Explanation:
So, basically you can do what ever you want to an equation and it will remain true, so long as you do it to both sides, right? And the purpose of this is to get a variable on one side and a number on the other. So, for 107=272– w , let's start that process by subtracting 272 from both sides, clearing 272 fro the side of the equation with the variable.
107 = 272 – w
-272 -272
272–272 = 0. 107–272 = -165
Therefore, your new equation is -165 = -w
However, -165 is not your answer, because w is still not all by itself on that side of the equation—it has a negative sign, and that needs to be cleared. To flip the signs in an equation, you can multiply it by -1. Do this to both sides and this will keep the statement true while making w no longer negative.
-1(-165)= -1(-w)
-165 * -1 = 165
-1 * -w = w
Your new and final equation is 165 = w. Ta-da, you have an answer!
