a) 257 - x + 124 = 149 Combine like terms: 381 - x = 149 Subtract 381 from both sides: -x = -232 Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for x: x = 232
b) 165 - (y + 122) = 37 Distribute the negative sign: 165 - y - 122 = 37 Combine like terms: 43 - y = 37 Subtract 43 from both sides: -y = -6 Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for y: y = 6
a) 257 - x + 124 = 149
Combine like terms:
381 - x = 149
Subtract 381 from both sides:
-x = -232
Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for x:
x = 232
b) 165 - (y + 122) = 37
Distribute the negative sign:
165 - y - 122 = 37
Combine like terms:
43 - y = 37
Subtract 43 from both sides:
-y = -6
Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for y:
y = 6