1. The problem is to isolate $y$ by taking 3 away from $y$. 2. The expression can be written as $y - 3$. 3. To leave $y$ alone, we need to add 3 to both sides of the equation if it is equal to something, or simply recognize that $y - 3$ means $y$ minus 3. 4. If the equation is $y - 3 = 0$, then adding 3 to both sides gives: $$y - 3 + 3 = 0 + 3$$ 5. Simplifying, we use the cancellation rule: $$y + \cancel{-3 + 3} = 3$$ 6. This leaves: $$y = 3$$ 7. So, taking 3 away from $y$ and then adding 3 back isolates $y$. Final answer: $$y = 3$$