SOLUTION: Can someone explain the steps to solve for y for graphing for linear equations? I am having trouble with the equation y = -1/2x -4. I can solve for y without any problem with the

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Can someone explain the steps to solve for y for graphing for linear equations? I am having trouble with the equation y = -1/2x -4. I can solve for y without any problem with the      Log On


   

Question 272303: Can someone explain the steps to solve for y for graphing for linear equations? I am having trouble with the equation y = -1/2x -4. I can solve for y without any problem with the variables given for x, but for some reason I am not understanding how to solve for x when given the variable for y. For example, I know that y is -1 and that the answer is -6, but I cannot seem to get the correct answer on my own.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Can someone explain the steps to solve for y for graphing for linear equations? I am having trouble with the equation y = -1/2x -4. I can solve for y without any problem with the variables given for x, but for some reason I am not understanding how to solve for x when given the variable for y. For example, I know that y is -1 and that the answer is -6, but I cannot seem to get the correct answer on my own.
:
Start with the original equation
y = -1%2F2x - 4
They give you y = -1, want you to find x
-1 = -1%2F2x - 4
can also write it:
-1%2F2x - 4 = -1
add 4 to both sides
-1%2F2x = -1 + 4
-1%2F2x = 3
Get rid of the fraction multiply both sides by 2
-x = 2(3)
-x = 6
x has to be positive, multiply both sides by -1
x = -6