equation help needed, please!

[CocktailQueen]

How would you solve: 4z/9 (over 9) - 5 = -2

DD is stumped.

I have done: 4z/9 = -2 + 5

4z/9 = 3

so it should be 27/9 = 3/1, but that doesn't work out for z. Gah.

Help??

From 4z/9 =3 you need to multiply by 9 to get
4z =27
Then divide by 4
So z =27/4 or 6 3/4

Oh, so if you have a fraction like that, you can treat the bottom number like a normal number and move it to the other side of the equation? And you don't need to make it negative? Thank you...

If you have 4z/9=3

Then mutiply both sides by 9 to leave you with 4z=27.

Then divide both sides by 4 to find z.

27/4 so 6.75

4z/9=3 [multiply both sides by 9]
4z=27 [divide both sides by 4]
Z=27/4=6.75

I feel sick with worry for when my DD starts school reading this. I don't even understand the question and I have a degree

Don't worry. This is secondary school stuff, and if you can't help you send the child into school to ask the teacher for help. Ime most teachers will happily help if asked before the lesson it's due in. Nobody expects all parents to be able to help with all subjects.

That's reassuring Mermaid. Thank you

It's Year 7 stuff!!!! Am a bit horrified tbh. But yes, when she's asked the teacher before they have been v helpful. Thanks all - much appreciated!