Isolating Variables in Equations

The video tutorial explains how to solve for a variable in a literal equation. It begins by introducing the equation ax + b = c and the goal of isolating the variable a. The instructor explains the reverse order of operations, emphasizing the need to undo addition and subtraction first. By subtracting b from both sides, the equation becomes ax = c - b. The next step involves dividing by x to solve for a, resulting in a = (c - b) / x. An alternative form is presented by dividing x into both terms, and an example with fractions is provided to illustrate the concept.

What is the first step in solving for a variable in a literal equation?

• Multiply all terms by the variable

• Isolate the variable by itself

• Add all terms together

• Divide all terms by the variable

What is the reverse order of operations used for?

• To isolate the variable by reversing operations

• To perform operations in the same order

• To multiply and divide terms

• To add and subtract terms

What is the purpose of using the reverse order of operations?

• To simplify the equation

• To add complexity to the equation

• To ensure the variable is isolated correctly

• To perform operations in a random order

Why do we use subtraction in the process of isolating a variable?

• To multiply the variable

• To add more terms to the equation

• To undo addition and isolate the variable term

• To eliminate the variable

What property is used when subtracting B from both sides of the equation?

• Division property of equality

• Addition property of equality

• Subtraction property of equality

• Multiplication property of equality

What is the result of applying the subtraction property of equality?

• The variable is subtracted

• The variable is added

• The variable is multiplied

• The variable is isolated

What is the inverse operation of multiplication when solving for a variable?

• Multiplication

• Division

• Subtraction

• Addition

What is the result of dividing both sides of the equation by X?

• The variable is eliminated

• The variable is isolated

• The equation becomes more complex

• The equation is multiplied

How can you rewrite the equation a = (c - B) / X?

• a = c * X - B

• a = c + B / X

• a = c - B * X

• a = c / X - B / X

What does dividing each term separately help illustrate?

• The concept of multiplication

• The concept of addition

• The concept of dividing terms separately

• The concept of subtraction