Simplifying an Algebraic Expression

Date: 8/17/96 at 19:5:48
From: Anonymous
Subject: Simplifying an Algebraic Expression

If 12y = 3, what do you do next?

Date: 8/18/96 at 1:7:40
From: Doctor Paul
Subject: Re: Simplifying an Algebraic Expression

12*Y = 3

What we do is we divide both sides by the same number.  Let's divide
both sides of the equation by 12.  As long as we do the same thing to 
each side of the equation, we can do whatever we want to it..

12 * Y =  3
------   ----
  12      12

Y = 3/12

and that reduces to 1/4.

I hope this helps clear things up. 

Regards,

-Doctor Paul,  The Math Forum
 Check out our web site!  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/