Solve the equation for y. -3(5y+9)-7y=4(y-4)-1

-3(5y + 9) - 7y  = 4(y - 4) - 1
-15y - 27 - 7y = 4y - 16 - 1
-15y - 7y - 4y = -16 - 1 + 27
-26y = 10
y = 10 / -26 =  -5/13   answer

I. (distribute the -3 to the equation inside the parentheses) -15y-27-7y=4(y-4)-1. (-3x5y=-15y, -3x9=-27).

II. (distribute the 4 to the equation inside the parentheses) -15y-27-7y=4y-16-1. (4xy=4y, 4x(-4)=-16).

III. (combine like terms, -15y and -7y, and -16 and -1) -22y-27=4y-17. (-15y-7y=-22y and -16-1=-17).

IV. (isolate the variable, add 27 to both sides) -22y=4y+10. (-17+27=10).

V. (isolate the variable, subtract 4y from both sides) -26y=10. (-22y-4y=-26y).

VI. (isolate the variable, divide 10 by -26 to get y by itself) y=-0.3846. 

Hope this helps!