Solving for Variables

Front

What is a variable in mathematics?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to 'solve for a variable'?

Back

To solve for a variable means to find the value of that variable that makes the equation true.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 5 + 5 + x = 13?

Back

Combine like terms: 5 + 5 = 10, so the equation becomes 10 + x = 13.

Front

How do you isolate the variable x in the equation x + 18 = 21?

Back

Subtract 18 from both sides: x = 21 - 18, which simplifies to x = 3.

Front

What operation would you use to solve the equation 6 x c = 12?

Back

You would divide both sides by 6 to isolate c: c = 12 / 6, which gives c = 2.

Front

In the equation p x 2 = 18, how do you find the value of p?

Back

Divide both sides by 2: p = 18 / 2, which simplifies to p = 9.

Front

What is the solution to the equation y - 10 = 25?

Back

Add 10 to both sides: y = 25 + 10, which simplifies to y = 35.

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions.

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 purpose of using inverse operations in solving equations?

Back

Inverse operations are used to undo operations and isolate the variable.