Solve for u -5u-8=-2u-1+4u

$- 5 u - 8 = - 2 u - 1 + 4 u$

Step 1

Since $u$ is on the right side of the equation, switch the sides so it is on the left side of the equation.

$- 2 u - 1 + 4 u = - 5 u - 8$

Step 2

Add $- 2 u$ and $4 u$ .

$2 u - 1 = - 5 u - 8$

Step 3

Move all terms containing $u$ to the left side of the equation.

Add $5 u$ to both sides of the equation.

$2 u - 1 + 5 u = - 8$

Add $2 u$ and $5 u$ .

$7 u - 1 = - 8$

Step 4

Move all terms not containing $u$ to the right side of the equation.

Add $1$ to both sides of the equation.

$7 u = - 8 + 1$

Add $- 8$ and $1$ .

$7 u = - 7$

Step 5

Divide each term in $7 u = - 7$ by $7$ and simplify.

Divide each term in $7 u = - 7$ by $7$ .

$\frac{7 u}{7} = \frac{- 7}{7}$

Simplify the left side.

Cancel the common factor of $7$ .

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{7 u}{7} = \frac{- 7}{7}$

Divide $u$ by $1$ .

$u = \frac{- 7}{7}$

Simplify the right side.

Divide $- 7$ by $7$ .

$u = - 1$