Word problems: variables on both sides

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often represented by a letter, that stands for an unknown value in an equation.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

What does it mean to have variables on both sides of an equation?

Back

It means that the variable appears on both sides of the equation, requiring manipulation to solve for the variable.

Front

What is the first step in solving an equation with variables on both sides?

Back

The first step is to simplify both sides of the equation, if possible, and then move all terms containing the variable to one side.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 10x + 9 = 4x - 9?

Back

The solution is x = -3.

Front

How do you set up an equation for a word problem involving costs?

Back

Identify the fixed costs and variable costs, then create an equation that represents the total cost for each scenario.

Front

What is the equation to determine how many rides you need to take for two fairs to be of equal value?

Back

The equation is 15 + 2.5x = 10 + 3x.

Front

How do you determine the number of games needed for two gaming consoles to cost the same?

Back

Set up an equation based on the total cost of each console and the cost per game, then solve for the number of games.

Front

What is a two-step equation?

Back

A two-step equation is an equation that requires two operations to isolate the variable.

Front

Write a two-step equation for the total cost of a magazine and erasers if the total spent is $25.

Back

The equation is 5 + 4x = 25, where x is the cost of one eraser.