Algebra Examples

$- 5 u - 8 = - 2 u - 1 + 4 u$

Step 1

Since $u$ is on the right side of the equation, switch the sides so it is on the left side of the equation.

$- 2 u - 1 + 4 u = - 5 u - 8$

Step 2

Add $- 2 u$ and $4 u$ .

$2 u - 1 = - 5 u - 8$

Step 3

Move all terms containing $u$ to the left side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 3.1

Add $5 u$ to both sides of the equation.

$2 u - 1 + 5 u = - 8$

Step 3.2

Add $2 u$ and $5 u$ .

$7 u - 1 = - 8$

Step 4

Move all terms not containing $u$ to the right side of the equation.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.1

Add $1$ to both sides of the equation.

$7 u = - 8 + 1$

Step 4.2

Add $- 8$ and $1$ .

$7 u = - 7$

Step 5

Divide each term in $7 u = - 7$ by $7$ and simplify.

Tap for more steps...

Step 5.1

Divide each term in $7 u = - 7$ by $7$ .

$\frac{7 u}{7} = \frac{- 7}{7}$

Step 5.2

Simplify the left side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 5.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $7$ .

Tap for more steps...

Step 5.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{7 u}{7} = \frac{- 7}{7}$

Step 5.2.1.2

Divide $u$ by $1$ .

$u = \frac{- 7}{7}$

Step 5.3

Simplify the right side.

Tap for more steps...

Step 5.3.1

Divide $- 7$ by $7$ .

$u = - 1$