The equation is 5p – 2p = –12.

Combine like terms using distributive property: .

(5 – 2)p = – 12

3p = –12                        (Subtract: 5 – 2 = 3)

Apply division property of equality: If a = b then .

                 (Divide each side by 3) \ \

                      (Cancel common terms)

p = – 4                           (Divide: )

Check:

To check the solution, substitute p = –4 in original equation.

3p = – 12 3(–4) = – 12

–12 = –12                           (Multiply: 3(–4) = –12)

The statement is true.

The value of p = – 4.