Simplifying equations

Front

What is an equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to simplify an equation?

Back

To simplify an equation means to reduce it to its simplest form, making it easier to solve by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary elements.

Front

What are like terms in an equation?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power, allowing them to be combined through addition or subtraction.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying the equation 11 = 15x + 3x - 1?

Back

The first step is to combine like terms on the right side: 15x + 3x = 18x.

Front

How do you simplify the equation -3x - x + 5 = 15?

Back

Combine like terms: -3x - x = -4x, so the equation becomes -4x + 5 = 15.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 12 - 2x + 4 = 3 after simplification?

Back

First, simplify to 16 - 2x = 3, then solve for x: -2x = 3 - 16, so x = 6.5.

Front

When is an equation considered simplified?

Back

An equation is considered simplified when it has no like terms left to combine and is expressed in the simplest form possible.

Front

What is the importance of simplifying equations?

Back

Simplifying equations makes it easier to solve for the variable and understand the relationship between the quantities involved.

Front

What does the equation 6 - x = -3 indicate about x?

Back

To find x, you would add x to both sides and then add 3 to both sides, leading to x = 9.

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often represented by letters like x or y, that stands for an unknown value in an equation.