Question

there are several ways to start solving this equation. you can start by making sure there are only q terms on one side. lets get rid of the q terms on the right so there are only q terms on the left. what move can you make to both sides of the equation to get rid of the -2q on the right, so that the q terms are only on the left, while keeping the equation balanced?\\(4q - 8 = -2q - 5\\)\
subtract 2q from both sides\
add 2q to both sides\
multiply both sides by 2q

Explanation:

Step1: Eliminate $-2q$ on right

Add $2q$ to both sides:
$4q - 8 + 2q = -2q - 5 + 2q$
Simplify to get: $6q - 8 = -5$

Step2: Isolate term with $q$

Add 8 to both sides:
$6q - 8 + 8 = -5 + 8$
Simplify to get: $6q = 3$

Step3: Solve for $q$

Divide both sides by 6:
$q = \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2}$

Answer:

First, the correct first step is: Add 2q to both sides
The value of $q$ is $\frac{1}{2}$