Variable on both sides

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A symbol (often a letter) that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation with variables on both sides?

Back

It means to find the value of the variable that makes both sides of the equation equal.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

By performing inverse operations to both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 7x - 11 = 5x + 25?

Back

Subtract 5x from both sides to combine like terms.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 7x - 11 = 5x + 25?

Back

x = 18.

Front

How do you handle negative coefficients in equations?

Back

Treat them as you would positive coefficients; apply inverse operations to isolate the variable.

Front

What is the solution to the equation -49 - x = -8x + 70?

Back

x = 17.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms in an equation?

Back

It means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What is the solution to the equation -x - 29 = 15 - 3x?

Back

x = 22.

Front

What is the purpose of checking your solution in an equation?

Back

To verify that the value found satisfies the original equation.