Solve for y: 5(y – 2) + 2(y – 3) = 19

Most important thing is to do the same thing to both sides of the equation. 5(y – 2) + 2(y – 3) = 19 Step 1. Multiply out the brackets:        5y - 10 + 2y - 6 = 19 Step 2. Collect like terms & Simplify:     5y + 2y - 10 - 6 = 19                                  7y -16 = 19 Step 3. Add 16 to both sides:           7y -16 + 16 = 19 + 16                                  7y = 35 Step 4. Divide both sides by 7:         y = 35/7 = 5