Solving Simple Equations An equation is a mathematical statement that expresses a relationship between two or more variables. Solving an equation means find...
Solving Simple Equations
An equation is a mathematical statement that expresses a relationship between two or more variables. Solving an equation means finding the values of the variables that make the equation true.
Step 1: Identify the variables and the equal sign.
An equation will typically have variables, which are unknown quantities, on both sides of the equal sign. The equal sign = indicates that the two sides are equal.
Step 2: Eliminate one variable by performing operations on one or both sides of the equation.
To solve an equation, we can use various mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to eliminate one variable while keeping the other side of the equation constant.
Step 3: Combine like terms on both sides.
Like terms are terms with the same variable or exponent. Combine them by adding or subtracting them together.
Step 4: Check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation.
Once you have isolated the variable on one side of the equation, plug it back in to see if it makes the equation true. If it does, you have found the solution.
Example:
Equation: 2x + 5 = 17
Solution:
Identify the variables: x
Eliminate one variable: Subtract 5 from both sides: 2x = 12
Combine like terms: Divide both sides by 2: x = 6
Tips for Solving Equations:
Pay attention to the order of operations.
Use inverse operations to manipulate variables.
Combine similar terms on both sides.
Check your answers to ensure they make sense