How do you solve #2/9y-16=-20#?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-20T16:16:03

See a solution process below:

First, add #color(red)(16)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #y# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#2/9y - 16 + color(red)(16) = -20 + color(red)(16)#

#2/9y - 0 = -4#

#2/9y = -4#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(9)/color(blue)(2)# to solve for #y# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(9)/color(blue)(2) xx 2/9y = color(red)(9)/color(blue)(2) xx -4#

#18/18y = color(red)(9)/cancel(color(blue)(2)) xx color(blue)(cancel(color(black)(-4)))-2#

#1y = -18#

#y = -18#