(7t-2) - (-3t+1) = -3*(1-3t) First distribute: 7t-2+3t-1 = -3+9t Now get all the terms with 't' on the same side by subtracting/adding: 7t+3t-9t = -3+2+1 Combine the terms: 1t=0 t=0
Check: Plug in 0 for t and see if both sides of the equation come out the same: Does (7(0)-2) - (-3(0)+1) = -3(1-3(0)) ? (-2) - (1) = -3(1) ? -3 = -3 ? Yes! It works, so t=0!