Question

How do you do this problem? −5(p+​3/5​​​)=−4 You have to find what p equals. What do I do to find the value of p?

Answer 1

Hi there!

Let us rewrite the equation, the same exact way you asked it. :)

-5(p+3/5)=-4

Step 1) Simplify both sides of the equation.

(-5) (p) + (-5) (3/5) = -4

-5p + -3 = -4

-5p - 3 = -4

Step 2) Add 3 to both sides.

-5p + - 3 + 3 = -4 + 3

-5p = -1

Step 3) Divide both sides by -5.

-5p/-5 = -1/-5

p = 1/5

Final Answer -

p = 1/5, 0.2, or 20%

Hope this helps!

All the /'s were for fraction bars. :)

Answer 2

-5(p+3/5) = -4

First you have do distributive multiplication.

-5(p) -5(3/5) = -4
-5p -3 = -4

Then, group like terms and change its sign.

-5p = -4 + 3
-5p = -1

To get p, we need to divide both sides by -5. Both numbers have negative signs, it cancels each other.

-5p / -5 = -1/-5

p = 1/5

To check: p = 1/5
-5(p+3/5) = -4
-5(1/5 + 3/5) = -4
-5(4/5) = -4
-20/5 = -4
-4 = -4