Algebra: Solving Equations

Front

What is an equation?

Back

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

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 literal equation?

Back

A literal equation is an equation that involves two or more variables and is solved for one variable in terms of the others.

Front

What is a solution to an equation?

Back

A solution to an equation is a value that, when substituted for the variable, makes the equation true.

Front

What does it mean if an equation has no solution?

Back

An equation has no solution if there are no values for the variable that can satisfy the equation.

Front

What does it mean if an equation has infinitely many solutions?

Back

An equation has infinitely many solutions if any value of the variable satisfies the equation.

Front

How do you determine if an equation has no solution?

Back

An equation has no solution if simplifying it leads to a false statement, such as 0 = 5.

Front

What are consecutive integers?

Back

Consecutive integers are integers that follow each other in order, such as 1 and 2, or 19 and 20.

Front

How do you solve for a variable in a literal equation?

Back

To solve for a variable in a literal equation, isolate the variable on one side of the equation using algebraic operations.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, allowing you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside parentheses.