Final answer:
To solve 4(0.5p - 1.5) = 12, distribute the 4, then add 6 to both sides and divide by 2, resulting in p = 9.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation 4(0.5p - 1.5) = 12, we will use substitution and algebraic rearrangement. First, let's distribute the 4 across the parentheses:
- 4 × 0.5p = 2p
- 4 × -1.5 = -6
Now the equation looks like this: 2p - 6 = 12. Next, we need to isolate the variable p. Add 6 to both sides to get:
Finally, divide both sides by 2 to solve for p:
Therefore, the solution to the equation is p = 9.