Solving Equations

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Back

To solve an equation means to find the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the equation true.

Front

Back

Subtract 3 from both sides to isolate the term with the variable.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

You isolate a variable by performing inverse operations to both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

Back

a = -2.

Front

What is the formula for the total cost of hiring a mechanic who charges a flat fee and an hourly rate?

Back

y = 65x + 15, where y is the total cost, x is the number of hours, 15 is the flat fee, and 65 is the hourly rate.

Front

Back

Subtract 11 from both sides.

Front

Back

x = 5.

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Front

What does it mean to perform inverse operations?

Back

Inverse operations are operations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.