Expert: Lynn Houston - 11/19/2008

Question
can you help me to figure out how to simplify and solve line by line

12y=2y+40

Answer
The goal is to get y by itself, so you have to start by combining like terms.  To do that, subtract 2y from both sides.

12y-2y=2y-2y+40
10y = 40 (now, divide both sides by 10)
10y/10 = 40/10

The tens cancel out, leaving y on the left and 40/10 = 4, therefore
y=4.  To check your answer, fill in 4 for y in the original equation

12(4) = 2(4) + 40
48 = 8+40
48 = 48, TRUE.