Solving equations with one variable

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more 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 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 is the first step in solving the equation 7x - 4 = 5x + 4?

Back

The first step is to isolate the variable by moving all terms involving x to one side of the equation.

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 to get the variable alone.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 9x = 153?

Back

The solution is x = 17, found by dividing both sides by 9.

Front

What does it mean to perform inverse operations?

Back

Inverse operations are operations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.

Front

What is the solution to the equation -8 - 5a = 12 - 9a?

Back

The solution is a = 5.

Front

What is the purpose of checking your solution in an equation?

Back

Checking your solution ensures that the value you found satisfies the original equation.

Front

What does the term 'like terms' mean?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power, which can be combined in an equation.