Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that shows the equality of two expressions, typically involving 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 a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Front

What does it mean to have variables on both sides of an equation?

Back

It means that the variable appears in expressions on both the left and right sides of the equation.

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 necessary, and then move all variable terms to one side.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to get the variable by itself on one side of the equation.

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 parenthesis.

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 4(1-x)+3x=-2(x+1)?

Back

x = -6

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation 11 - 3x = 44?

Back

Subtract 11 from both sides.