Question 738474

In general, to solve an equation for a given variable, you need to  {{{isolate}}} the variable;

 means {{{variable=some-number}}}, where some number is the answer they're looking for

an example:
    Solve 
{{{x-8 = -1}}}

 you need to get the {{{x}}} all by itself on one side of the "equals" sign, and some number on the other side

so, {{{x -8 =-1}}} add {{{8}}} to both sides to eliminate {{{-8}}} left of the equal sign;remember: no matter what kind of equation you're dealing with -- linear or otherwise -- whatever you do to the one side, you must do the exact same thing to the other side

{{{x -8+8 = -1+8}}}

{{{x -cross(8)+cross(8) = 7}}}

{{{x = 7}}}