Question

solve $-8z = 72$.
z = ___

Explanation:

Step1: Divide both sides by -8

To solve for \( z \) in the equation \( -8z = 72 \), we divide both sides of the equation by \(-8\). This is based on the division property of equality, which states that if \( a = b \), then \( \frac{a}{c}=\frac{b}{c} \) (where \( c
eq0 \)). So we have:
\[
\frac{-8z}{-8}=\frac{72}{-8}
\]

Step2: Simplify both sides

Simplifying the left - hand side, \( \frac{-8z}{-8}=z \) (because a non - zero number divided by itself is 1, so \( \frac{-8}{-8}z = 1\times z=z \)).
Simplifying the right - hand side, \( \frac{72}{-8}=-9 \) (since a positive number divided by a negative number gives a negative result, and \( 72\div8 = 9 \)).

Answer:

\( z=-9 \)