s/3 - 4 = 2
Understand the Problem
The question involves solving the equation s/3 - 4 = 2 for the variable s. To solve it, we will isolate s on one side of the equation.
Answer
The solution is \( s = 18 \).
Answer for screen readers
The solution to the equation is ( s = 18 ).
Steps to Solve
- Add 4 to both sides
To isolate $s$, we first need to eliminate the $-4$. We add $4$ to both sides of the equation:
$$ \frac{s}{3} - 4 + 4 = 2 + 4 $$
Which simplifies to:
$$ \frac{s}{3} = 6 $$
- Multiply both sides by 3
Next, we remove the fraction by multiplying both sides of the equation by $3$:
$$ 3 \cdot \frac{s}{3} = 6 \cdot 3 $$
This simplifies to:
$$ s = 18 $$
The solution to the equation is ( s = 18 ).
More Information
The value of ( s ) we found indicates the point where the original equation balances. This process uses basic algebraic principles like balancing equations and isolating variables, which are foundational in solving algebraic expressions.
Tips
- One common mistake is forgetting to perform the same operation on both sides of the equation, leading to incorrect solutions. Always remember that whatever you do to one side must also be done to the other side.
- Another mistake could be incorrect arithmetic when combining or simplifying numbers. Double-check calculations like adding and multiplying to avoid simple errors.
