Solving 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 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 is the first step in solving the equation: 3x + 7 = -8?

Back

Subtract 7 from both sides to isolate the term with the variable.

Front

Solve: 3x + 7 = -8

Back

x = -5

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation: -3a + 8 = 14?

Back

Subtract 8 from both sides to isolate the term with the variable.

Front

Solve: -3a + 8 = 14

Back

a = -2

Front

Back

Subtract 11 from both sides.

Front

Back

x = -11

Front

What does it mean to isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

Isolating a variable means rearranging the equation so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the other side.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, allowing you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.