3 less: -3
difference of 16p and 15p: 16p - 15p = p
is equal to: =
the difference of 3 and 1/2: 3 - 1/2 = 2.5
p - 3 = 2.5
Isolate the p. Note the equal sign. What you do to one side, you do to the other. Add 3 to both sides
p - 3 (+3) = 2.5 (+3)
p = 2.5 + 3
p = 5.5
5.5 is your answer for p
hope this helps