Solving Equations and Inequalities Flashcard Warmup

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing variables and constants.

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 or expression.

Front

What is the purpose of isolating a variable?

Back

Isolating a variable helps to solve for that variable by getting it alone on one side of the equation.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation of the first degree, meaning it has no exponents greater than one and graphs as a straight line.

Front

What is an inequality?

Back

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions and shows that one is greater than, less than, or not equal to the other.

Front

How do you represent a word problem as an equation?

Back

Identify the quantities involved, assign variables, and translate the relationships and operations described in the problem into an equation.

Front

What does 'x' typically represent in equations?

Back

In equations, 'x' often represents the unknown value that we are trying to solve for.

Front

What is the first step in solving a multi-step equation?

Back

The first step is usually to simplify both sides of the equation, if possible, by combining like terms.

Front

What is the significance of the equal sign in an equation?

Back

The equal sign indicates that the expressions on both sides of it have the same value.