Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

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 solve an equation?

Back

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

Front

What are variables in an equation?

Back

Variables are symbols (usually letters) that represent unknown values in an equation.

Front

What is the goal when solving equations with variables on both sides?

Back

The goal is to isolate the variable on one side of the equation to find its value.

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.

Front

How do you eliminate a variable from one side of an equation?

Back

You can eliminate a variable by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation.

Front

What operation is performed to isolate a variable?

Back

To isolate a variable, you can add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides of the equation by the same number.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 4x - 5x + 9 = 5x - 9?

Back

x = 3.

Front

What operation did Jacob perform to go from Step 1 to Step 2 in his solution?

Back

He subtracted 2x from both sides of the equation.