Solving multi step equations:

3.4 + 0.5y + 1.1 = - 4.5

3.4+0.5y + 1.1=-4.5

3.4+1.1+0.5y = - 4.5

4.5+0.5y=-4.5

move 4.5 to the other side

sign changes from + 4.5 to - 4.5

4.5-4.5+0.5y = - 4.5-4.5

0.5y = - 4.5-4.5

0.5y=-9

divide both sides by 0.5

0.5y/0.5 = - 9/0.5

Answer: y = - 18