General Information about Equations : General Information about Equations An equation is simply when something equals something else.
3 = 3, x = x, 7 + 8 = 15, etc.
Equations are like a balance and are telling you that two values are the same.
4 + x = 10 is telling you that “4 + x” is the same value as “10”.
Solving an equation (finding the “solution”) means finding the value(s) of the variable(s) that will make the equation true.
Rules for Solving Equations : Rules for Solving Equations The goal is to isolate the variable so that you end up with an “x = ___” in the end
Isolate the variable by undoing the operation(s) and following the steps below...
Undoing addition/subtraction: Eliminate the number by getting it to zero
Undoing multiplication/division: Eliminate the number by getting it to one
Equations are like a balance – what you do to one side, you must do to the other.
When there’s multiple steps, undo addition and subtraction first, then undo multiplication and division. “Peel it” like a corn stalk – from the outside in.
Go with the flow…. : Go with the flow….