- Start with the equation \(p + 4 = 60\).
- Subtract 4 from both sides to isolate the variable \(p\).
- Calculate the result: \(p = 60 - 4 = 56\).
- The final answer is \(\boxed{56}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of the Equation
To solve the linear equation \(p + 4 = 60\), we need to isolate the variable \(p\). The equation states that adding 4 to \(p\) results in 60. To find the value of \(p\), we perform the inverse operation of addition, which is subtraction.
- Solving for p
We subtract 4 from both sides of the equation to isolate \(p\):
\[p + 4 - 4 = 60 - 4\]
Performing the subtraction on the right side, we get:
\[p = 56\]
Thus, the value of \(p\) is 56.
Examples
Linear equations appear frequently in everyday scenarios. For example, if you have a budget of \$60 for a project and you have already spent \$4 on supplies, you can determine how much money you have remaining by solving \(p + 4 = 60\). In this case, \(p\) represents the remaining funds, which is \(\$56\). Understanding how to isolate variables is a fundamental skill in algebra that helps in planning, budgeting, and solving various real-world problems.