Solving equations including proportions

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 proportion?

Back

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform operations to get the variable on one side of the equation and the constants on the other.

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 set of parentheses.

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 infinite solutions?

Back

An equation has infinite solutions if any value for the variable satisfies the equation, often seen in identities.

Front

What is a like term?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power, allowing them to be combined.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, you add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 2a - 4(a - 5) = 10?

Back

Distribute -4 to a and -5.