Solving Equations

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more 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 principle of balancing equations?

Back

The principle of balancing equations states that you can perform the same operation on both sides of an equation without changing its equality.

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often represented by letters, that stands for an unknown value in an equation.

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 each term inside a parenthesis.

Front

Solve: 2(a + 4) = 2a - 8 + 4a

Back

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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 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.

Front

Solve: 32 - 7x = -6(x + 3)

Back

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Front

What is the solution set of an equation?

Back

The solution set of an equation is the set of all values that satisfy the equation.