Question

How to solve multi-step equations with fractions like $17 - \dfrac{s}{4} = - 10$?

Answer 1

Hint: Here first of all we will take all the like terms on one side of the equation that is all constants on the right hand side of the equation and the term with the variable on the left hand side of the equation and then will simplify for the resultant required value.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Take the given equation: $17 - \dfrac{s}{4} = - 10$
It can be re-written moving all the terms from right to left and terms from left to the right hand side of the equation.
$ \Rightarrow - 10 = 17 - \dfrac{s}{4}$
Move constant from the left hand side to the right and the term containing “s” from the right hand side to the left. When you move any term from one side to another then the sign of the term also changes. Positive terms become negative and the negative term becomes positive.
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{s}{4} = 17 + 10$
Simplify the above equation, performing an addition on the right hand side of the equation.
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{s}{4} = 27$
Do cross multiplication, where the denominator of one side is multiplied with the term in the numerator of the opposite side.
$ \Rightarrow s = 27(4)$
Do multiplication for the terms on the right hand side of the equation.
$ \Rightarrow s = 108$
This is the required solution.

Note: Always remember when you move any term from one side to another, then the sign of the term also changes. Positive term becomes the negative term and the negative term becomes the positive term. Constants are the terms with the fixed value while the variables are the terms which are unknown.