Problem 1
The idea here is to follow PEMDAS in reverse to undo what is happening to the variable b, so we can isolate it.
-11b + 7 = 40
-11b = 40-7
-11b = 33
b = 33/(-11)
b = -3
To check this value, plug it back into the original equation. You should get 40 on each side to help confirm the answer.
Answer: b = -3
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Problem 2
There are two ways we can solve. One method is to use the hint your teacher gave you. So we'll distribute first and then follow the same idea as problem 1
9(p-4) = -18
9p-36 = -18
9p = -18+36
9p = 18
p = 18/9
p = 2
Another method you can use is to follow these steps
9(p-4) = -18
p-4 = -18/9
p-4 = -2
p = -2+4
p = 2
Either way, we get the same result. To check the answer, replace every p with 2 in the original equation. You should get -18 on the left side after simplifying.
Answer: p = 2
