1. The problem is to solve the equation by isolating $y$ first. 2. Suppose the equation is given in the form $Ax + By = C$. 3. To isolate $y$, subtract $Ax$ from both sides: $$By = C - Ax$$ 4. Then divide both sides by $B$ to solve for $y$: $$y = \frac{C - Ax}{B}$$ 5. When dividing, we can show the cancellation explicitly: $$y = \frac{\cancel{C - Ax}}{\cancel{B}}$$ (if any common factors exist). 6. This gives $y$ expressed in terms of $x$, which can be used for graphing or further analysis. 7. Always remember to check that $B \neq 0$ to avoid division by zero.