217 times u, reduced by 180 is the same as q. Take this algebraic expression pieces: Step 1: 217 times u We multiply the variable u by 217 217u Step 2: reduced by 180 Subtract 180 from 217u 217u - 180 The phrase is the same as means an equation, so we set 217u - 180 equal to q 217u - 180 = q