How do you solve #9-3w=2=4w#?

1 Answer
Meave60 · Stefan V.
Aug 9, 2015

There is no definite answer to this problem as it is written. However if one equal sign were changed to a positive sign, it is possible to solve the problem.

Explanation:

#9-3w=2=4w#

The equation has two equal signs. More than likely, one of the two #=# symbols was meant to be a #+# symbol, since they are on the same key.

If we change one of the #=# signs to a #+# sign, technically it could mean #9-3w+2=4w,# or #9-3w=2+4w#.

One Possibility

#9-3w+2=4w#

Add #3w# to both sides.

#9+2=7w#

#11=7w#

Divide both sides by #7#.

#11/7=w#

Switch sides

#w=11/7#

A Second Possibility

#9-3w=2+4w#

Subtract #9# from both sides.

#-3w=2+4w-9#

#-3w=4w-7#

Subtract #4w# from both sides.

#-3w-4w=-7#

#-7w=-7#

Divide both sides by #-7#.

#w=1#

Related questions
See all questions in Multi-Step Equations with Like Terms
Impact of this question
2547 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License