Question 228499
7p+11=-31


The first step is to "undo" the +11.  You do this with a -11 to each side.
7p+11-11=-31-11
7p=-42


Next, you need to "undo" multiplication by 7.  You do this by DIVIDING both sides by 7:
{{{(7p)/7=-42/7}}}
{{{p=-6}}}


For additional help on this very important topic of EQUATION SOLVING see my own website.  You can do a "Bing" or "Google" search for my last name "Rapalje".  Look for "Rapalje Homepage" near the top of the search list.  On my Homepage, click on "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time," and look in "Chapter 1" for "Section 1.08 Equation Solving."  According to my own students, this section is a LOT easier to understand than the traditional textbooks.  See also the "Math in Living Color" section in which many of these exercises are solved IN COLOR! 


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus