FLASHCARD Equations with Variables on One Side

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Back

Finding the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 5x - 4 + 2x = 3?

Back

Combine like terms to simplify the equation.

Front

How do you combine like terms in the equation 5x - 4 + 2x = 3?

Back

Add the coefficients of x: 5x + 2x = 7x.

Front

What is the next step after combining like terms in an equation?

Back

Isolate the variable by moving constant terms to the other side.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 7x = 7?

Back

x = 1.

Front

What does it mean to distribute in an equation?

Back

To multiply each term inside parentheses by the term outside.

Front

Solve the equation 1.5(x + 7) = 11.25.

Back

x = 0.5.

Front

What is the purpose of moving the variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate the variable on one side of the equation.

Front

What is the solution to the equation -124 = 4(1 + 8k)?

Back

k = -4.