Expert: Lynn Houston - 11/4/2009

Question
i dont understand my teacher goes way to fast.    

2/3V=14      solve V. What do i do?!?!?!?!?!?!

Answer
When you're solving for a variable, you have to isolate the variable and in order to do that, you have to "undo" everything that has been done to it.  In your example, v is multiplied by 2/3, so you need to divide both sides of the equation by 2/3.  Since dividing by a fraction can sometimes be confusing, you can do it in parts.  Start by multiplying both sides by 3, that leaves you 2v on the left and gives you 42 on the right
2v = 42. Now divide both sides by 2
v = 21

Does this make sense?  If not, let me know.