Solve for u: 2(2u + 9) = 50
Understand the Problem
The question asks us to solve for the variable 'u' in the given equation 2(2u + 9) = 50. We need to isolate 'u' by performing algebraic operations on both sides of the equation, such as distributing, combining like terms, and using inverse operations to undo addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division until 'u' is by itself on one side of the equation.
Answer
$u = 8$
Answer for screen readers
$u = 8$
Steps to Solve
- Distribute the 2 Multiply the 2 outside the parenthesis by both terms inside the parenthesis
$$ 2(2u + 9) = 50 $$
$$ 4u + 18 = 50 $$
- Subtract 18 from both sides Isolate the term with $u$ by subtracting 18 from both sides
$$ 4u + 18 - 18 = 50 - 18 $$
$$ 4u = 32 $$
- Divide both sides by 4 Isolate $u$ by dividing both sides by 4
$$ \frac{4u}{4} = \frac{32}{4} $$
$$ u = 8 $$
$u = 8$
More Information
The value of $u$ that satisfies the equation $2(2u + 9) = 50$ is 8.
Tips
A common mistake is not distributing the 2 correctly across both terms in the parenthesis i.e. only multiplying it by $2u$ and forgetting to multiply it by 9. Another common mistake is performing the order of operations incorrectly, for example subtracting 9 from both sides prior to distributing.
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