Algebra 1 SOL Review - 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 linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation of the first degree, meaning it has no exponents greater than one and graphs as a straight line.

Front

What are the steps to solve a linear equation?

Back

1. Simplify both sides of the equation. 2. Use inverse operations to isolate the variable. 3. Check your solution.

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 a parenthesis.

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, often resulting from equivalent expressions.

Front

What is a solution set?

Back

A solution set is the set of all values that satisfy a given equation.

Front

How do you check if a solution is correct?

Back

To check a solution, substitute the value back into the original equation to see if both sides are equal.

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to isolate a variable?

Back

To isolate a variable means to manipulate the equation so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the opposite side.