The equation is j + 17 – 23 = –7.

j – 6 = –7                (Subtract: 17 – 23 = –6)

Apply addition property of equality: If a = b then a + c = b + c.

j – 6 + 6 = –7 + 6   (Add 6 to each side)

j = –7 + 6                (Apply additive inverse property: –6 + 6 = 0)

j = –1                       (Add: –7 + 6 = –1)

Check:

To check the solution, substitute j = –1 in original equation.

j – 6 = –7 –1 – 6 = –7

–7 = –7                   (Add: –1 – 6 = –7)

The statement is true.

The value of j = –1.