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 like 7(p + 9) = -21?

Back

The first step is to distribute the 7 to both terms inside the parentheses.

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.

Front

What is the importance of maintaining balance in an equation?

Back

Maintaining balance means that whatever operation you perform on one side of the equation must also be performed on the other side to keep the equation true.

Front

Solve: 2(4x - 3) - 8 = 4 + 2x

Back

x = 3.

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 2c - 12 = 9c + 2?

Back

c = -2.