4(2y-1) = -8(.5-y): meaning of '-4 = -4' 'solution'?

[faith14]

4(2y-1) = -8(.5-y)

When I solve this equation I get:

8y - 4 = -4 + 8y
then if I subtract 8y from both sides of the equation I end up with

-4 = -4

Does this mean there is no solution to this problem? Or, am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

 

[jwpaine]

Re: 4(2y-1) = -8(.5-y)

It means that it is a true statement: both sides are equal

\(\displaystyle 4(2y-1) = -8(.5-y)\)
\(\displaystyle 8y-4 = -4+8y\)
\(\displaystyle 8y = 8y\)
\(\displaystyle y = y\)

 

[faith14]

Re: 4(2y-1) = -8(.5-y)

Thanks