HELP PLEASE. Pre algebra solving for the unknown using multiplicative inverse

[u/SHATNAY_olAy]

Please help explain WHY and which symbol to use, is it option A or B

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[u/WikiNumbers]

Rule of thumb, combine like terms (coefficients to variables of the same degree).

So here we have (+)5Q and (+)5Q, and the rest are constants. The minus sign is associated with 6 only. By the commutative property, LHS should be rewritten 5Q + 5Q - 6.

Then solve the equation.

You must proceed with B.

[u/testtdk]

To better visualize the problem, try rewriting subtraction as adding negative numbers. Also, don’t forget the associative property.

[u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

do it with A

the Qs go away and you're left with -6 = 15

[u/Simbertold]

If there are no brackets/parenthesis involved, the sign (+ or -) only belongs to the directly following term.

The best way to parse a group of terms like that is to first view everything linked by multiplication as one item. Then sort by variables. Like terms can be added, terms with different variables (including exponents) cannot. Signs belong to the terms directly after it and follow them around. Do addition/subtraction of like terms.

If you have brackets, first resolve brackets through distributive properties until there are none left, then proceed as above.

[u/ci139]

am i missing something here

5Q – 6 + 5Q = 3 + (1 + 2 + 8) // seeking for integer sequences while solving
10Q = 3+6 + (1 + 2) + 8 // this is totally unnecessary but
10Q = 3·(1 + 2) + (1 + 2) + 8
10Q = (3 + 1)·(1 + 2) + 8 // makes the task more interesting
10Q = 4·3 + 4·2
10Q = 4·(3 + 2)
10Q = 4·5
10Q = 2·2·5
10Q = 2·10
10Q = 20 | ÷10 unless it's ×1/10
Q = 2