I know this answer looks long, but please read it; it is very informative!
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Ok, all you have to do is, step by step, isolate the variable so it is completely by itself on one side of the equation.
I'll work through #1 with you:
y + 2x = 5
Now, this one is pretty simple. It only requires one step. On the side of the equal sign that contains y, there is a +2x. To isolate y, the +2x has to go. The only way to do that is to subtract it. And remember, to keep the equation equal, what you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side. Therefore, you must subtract 2x from both sides. Now, you took the 2x away from the left side, but you also put it onto the right side. Therefore, you're equation will be:
y = -2x + 5
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Here; I'll help you with #8. It's a tad more complicated.
2x + 7y = 4
Now, first, just like above, your first step to isolating y is to remove the 2x. So, just as I did above, I will subtract 2x from both sides. I now have...
7y = -2x + 4
I am not finished yet however! there is still a 7 attached to that y. Because the 7 and y are multiplied, I must divide it to isolate the y. Therefore, both sides must be divided by 7. Now the y is completely isolated, and the final equation is as such:
y = -2/7x + 4/7
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Use this same method to answer 9-14.
Example - #12:
c + Rc = s
First, remove c. Do this by subtracting from both sides. Your equation now is:
Rc = s + c
Next, remove the other c by dividing both sides by c. Your equation will then be:
R = s/c + c/c
Now because all the c's are the same number, and a number divided by itself is 1, the final equation will turn out as:
R = s/c +1
Hope I was of help!! If you need another demonstration, please ask!
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PS: oxymoron1992 - I totally agree with you. We got tests all the time in algebra 1. These tests take up more of your grade than the homework. Also, I am currently in geometry, and we are using algebra 1 material quite frequently.