Solving Equations

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

Isolating a variable means manipulating the equation to get the variable on one side of the equation by itself.

Distribute the 8 to both terms inside the parentheses: 56 - 8y = -24.

First, distribute: 56 - 8y = -24. Then, subtract 56 from both sides: -8y = -80. Finally, divide by -8: y = 10.

Add 62 to both sides to isolate x.

Combine like terms: 2n + 2 = -14. Then, subtract 2 from both sides: 2n = -16. Finally, divide by 2: n = -8.

Subtract 1 from both sides: -6w = -12. Then, divide by -6: w = 2.

Subtract 6 from both sides: -3a = 15. Then, divide by -3: a = -5.

To check your solution, substitute the value back into the original equation to verify that both sides are equal.

Inverse operations are used to undo operations performed on a variable, helping to isolate it.