Question

sometimes, it can be helpful to rewrite part of an equation by using the distributive property or combining like terms. consider the equation below with that in mind. what is the value of j? now, look at the left side. you have 4j + 10 and you’re subtracting 8j. what remains on the left?
18j - 14j + 10 = 8j - 6
4j + 10 - 8j = 8j - 6 - 8j
-4j + 10 = -6

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms on left

$18j - 14j + 10 = 8j - 6$
$\implies 4j + 10 = 8j - 6$

Step2: Isolate j terms on one side

Subtract $4j$ from both sides:
$4j + 10 - 4j = 8j - 6 - 4j$
$\implies 10 = 4j - 6$

Step3: Isolate constant terms on one side

Add 6 to both sides:
$10 + 6 = 4j - 6 + 6$
$\implies 16 = 4j$

Step4: Solve for j

Divide both sides by 4:
$\frac{16}{4} = \frac{4j}{4}$
$\implies 4 = j$

Answer:

$j = 4$