a) 257 - x + 124 = 14 Combine like terms 381 - x = 14 Subtract 381 from both sides -x = -23 Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for x x = 232
b) 165 - (y + 122) = 3 Distribute the negative sign 165 - y - 122 = 3 Combine like terms 43 - y = 3 Subtract 43 from both sides -y = - Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for y y = 6
a) 257 - x + 124 = 14
Combine like terms
381 - x = 14
Subtract 381 from both sides
-x = -23
Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for x
x = 232
b) 165 - (y + 122) = 3
Distribute the negative sign
165 - y - 122 = 3
Combine like terms
43 - y = 3
Subtract 43 from both sides
-y = -
Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for y
y = 6