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 the first step in solving the equation -3a + 8 = 14?

Back

Subtract 8 from both sides to isolate the term with the variable.

Front

What is the solution to the equation -3a + 8 = 14?

Back

a = -2.

Front

How do you combine like terms in the equation 7x - 3x - 8 = 24?

Back

Combine 7x and -3x to simplify the equation to 4x - 8 = 24.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 7x - 3x - 8 = 24?

Back

x = 8.

Front

What does the distributive property state?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac.

Front

How do you apply the distributive property in the equation 7(2x - 4) = 42?

Back

Distribute 7 to both terms inside the parentheses: 14x - 28 = 42.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 7(2x - 4) = 42?

Back

x = 5.

Front

What does it mean when an equation has a negative coefficient?

Back

It means that the variable is being multiplied by a negative number, which can affect the direction of the inequality when solving.