1. The problem is to isolate the variable $y$ in an equation where $y$ is mixed with other terms. 2. To isolate $y$, you need to get $y$ alone on one side of the equation. This usually involves using inverse operations such as addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. 3. For example, if the equation is $ax + by = c$, to isolate $y$, subtract $ax$ from both sides: $$by = c - ax$$ 4. Then divide both sides by $b$ (assuming $b \neq 0$): $$y = \frac{c - ax}{b}$$ 5. This gives $y$ isolated in terms of $x$ and constants $a$, $b$, and $c$. 6. Always check that the coefficient of $y$ is not zero before dividing. This is the general method to isolate $y$ in linear equations.