Isolate the Variables

A symbol, usually a letter, used to represent a number in mathematical expressions or sentences.

• term

• constant

• variable

• equation

To set apart, detach, or separate.

• term

• constant

• isolate

• equation

Isolating a variable in a literal equation requires the use of ______ to undo the operations connected to it.

• an eraser

• inverse operations

• apps that solve it for you

Which set of steps can you use to isolate y in the equation?

• IN THIS ORDER:

  Divide both sides by 7.

• IN THIS ORDER:

  Subtract 2x on both sides.

  Divide both sides by 7.

• IN THIS ORDER:

  Subtract 7y on both sides.

  Divide by 2 on both sides.

To solve an equation, the goal is to __________ the variable on one side.

• Evaluate

• Leviate

• Isolate

• Reciprocate

Solve for y in terms of x: 3x - 4y = 10

• y = -3x + 10

• y = 0.75x + 2.5

• y = -3/4x + 10

• y = 3/4x - 2.5

In the equation
x + 7 = 12
7 is being added to the variable, x. How should you show your work to isolate the variable and solve the equation? 

• Subtract 7 from both sides. The solution is x = 5.

• Add 7 to both sides.
  The solution is x = 19.

• Multiply both sides by 7 The solution is x = 84.

When solving an equation, our goal is to:

• add all the numbers together.

• use a calculator.

• eat lunch.

• isolate the variable to solve.

x = 20

x = 7

x = 10

x = 3

• x = 20

• x = 7

• x = 10

• x = 3

Solve:

• 96

• -96

• 4

• -4