Variables on Both Sides - Word Problems

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often represented by a letter, that stands for 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, often requiring you to rearrange the equation.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to get the variable alone on one side of the equation.

Front

What is the first step in solving a word problem involving variables?

Back

The first step is to define the variable and what it represents in the context of the problem.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed, typically in the form of ax + b = c.

Front

How do you translate a word problem into an equation?

Back

Identify key phrases and relationships in the problem, then express them mathematically using variables.

Front

What does 'equal value' mean in the context of comparing two situations?

Back

Equal value means that the total cost or outcome of two different scenarios is the same.

Front

What is the significance of coefficients in an equation?

Back

Coefficients are the numerical factors that multiply the variables, indicating how many times the variable is counted.

Front

How can you check if your solution to an equation is correct?

Back

You can substitute your solution back into the original equation to see if both sides are equal.

Front

What is the purpose of using parentheses in equations?

Back

Parentheses indicate which operations should be performed first, helping to clarify the order of operations.