Question 53381
Hi Mallory,
Order of operations says we multiply first:
3p-1=5(p-1)-2(7-2p)
3p-1=5(p)+5(-1)-2(7)-2(-2p)
3p-1=5p-5-14+4p
The left side of the equation is already simplified.  Simplify the right side by combining like terms.
3p-1=(5+4)p+(-5-14)
3p-1=9p-19
We need the numbers multiplied by p all on one side and the numbers without p's on the other side within the rules of algebra.
-3p+3p-1=-3p+9p-19
0-1=(-3+9)p-19
-1=6p-19
19-1=6p-19+19
18=6p+0
18=6p
18/6=6p/6
3=p
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Check by substituting p=3 into the original equation to see if both sides equal:
3(3)-1=5(3-1)-2(7-2(3))
9-1=5(2)-2(7-6)
8=10-2(1)
8=10-2
8=8
Fantastic!  We got the right answer!!!