Question

Which variable, x or y, is it easier to isolate (solve for) in the equation 2y - x = -19?

A) x
B) y

Answer 1

It is easier to isolate the variable y in the equation 2y - x = -19, because it involves fewer steps and simple algebraic manipulation by adding x to both sides and then dividing by 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the equation 2y - x = -19, isolating the variable y is easier because it involves fewer steps and the variable y is already positive. To isolate y, you simply add x to both sides of the equation and then divide by 2. The procedure to solve for y would look like this:

• 2y - x + x = -19 + x (add x to both sides)
• 2y = -19 + x
• y = (-19 + x) / 2 (divide both sides by 2)

To solve for x, you would have to move y to the other side which involves additional steps and considering that y is multiplied by 2, it then requires division by 2 after moving it. Thus, solving for y is more straightforward in this case.