Expert: Bobby Soltani - 10/11/2004

Question
find the answer for the varible

2z - 5(z+2)= -8 - 2z

Answer
Hi Bobby,

Here are the steps to solve this problem.  You want to manipulate the equation until it looks like z = something.

2z - 5(z+2)= -8 - 2z  

mulitiply the -5 times the (z + 2)

2z - 5z - 10 = -8 - 2z

collect the z terms and the constant terms

-3z - 10 = -8 - 2z

add 10 to both sides to get rid of the -10 on the left

-3z = 2 - 2z

add 2z to both sides to get rid of the -2z on the right

-z = 2

multiply both sides by -1

z = -2

That's it.  Let me know if you have questions.

Bobby