Question about this math problem

I don't want the answer, I just want someone to explain to me how to solve this problem:

1. 5t-1=6t-5

I always get a problem like this wrong.
My question is: do you subtract 5t from 6t or 6t from 5t? And why?

The same goes with -1 and -5, which one gets canceled out? And why?

Thanks :)

what you want to do is get the t terms on one side of the equation and the non-t terms on the other side. in principle, it doesn't matter if you subtract the 5t or the 6t. your final answer will be the same.
let's do it both ways
5t-1 = 6t-5
subtract 6t and add 1 to both sides
5t-6t = 1-5
simplify
-t = -4
multiply (or divide) both sides by -1
t = 4

now the other way
5t-1 = 6t-5
subtract 5t and add 5
5-1 = 6t-5t
4 = t
or, t = 4, the same answer.

doesn't matter, just subtract either 5t or 6t from both sides, then add -1 or -5 to each side, and you have got it, so really there is no need to ask you, but if you still want to know, the point is to isolate the variable, and then be able to say well 1t=4, the variable is alone, and you can find out what t will equal with that in mind.

5t - 1 = 6t - 5

first you have to cancel out a number on one side.

I will do so by adding 5 to both sides (since one side has a - 5 on it)

5t - 1 = 6t - 5

5t - 1 + 5 = 6t - 5 + 5

which simplifies to ...

5t + 4 = 6t

now i will want to cancel out a variable on on side.

I will do so by subtracting 5t from both sides (since one side has a 5t on it)

5t + 4 = 6t

5t - 5t + 4 = 6t - 5t

which simplifies to ...

4 = t

rearrange for the answer

t = 4

voila !

To answer your question, first decide which side do you want the "y" to be on?

If you want it to be on the left side of the equal mark, then...

1. 5t-1=6t-5 // Subtract 6t
2. 5t - 6t - 1 = 6t - 6t - 5
3. -t - 1 = -5 // Subtract -1 or Add 1 ( - (-1) == +1 )
4. -t -1 + 1 = -5 + 1
5. -t = -4 // Divide by -1
Answer : t = 4