Solving -Step Variable Equations

An equation is a mathematical sentence with an equal sign What is an Equation? An equation is a mathematical sentence with an equal sign X + 5 = 20

We Use Opposite (Inverse) Operations to Solve Equations Addition  Subtraction Multiplication  Division Squaring a number  Taking the Square Root

Helpful Hints? Identify what operations are on the variable side. (Add, Sub, Mult, Div) “Undo” the operation by using opposite operations. Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side to keep equation balanced.

Standard Form Before solving an equation, you MUST make sure that it is in Standard Form. This means that the variable is on the LEFT side of the equation! Standard form: 16 + b = 24 NOT standard form: -13 = 2 + m

Step 1: Find the variable Step 1: Find the variable. What number must you remove to get the variable alone? x + 7 = 10

Step 2: Use inverse operations to cancel out the number X + 7 = 10 -7

Step 3: Do the same operation to the other side of the equal sign x + 7 = 10 -7 -7 __________ x = 3

Examples: 1) x + 10 = 50 2) -5 + y = 12 3) x – 4 = 16

You Try!! x – 7 = 3 2) x + 9 = 10 3) m + 6 = 18 4) y – 1,576 = 3, 562

Journal Prompt Dan asked, “ Is b + 3 the opposite of b – 3 ?” I can answer that, “ said Katie. What do you think Katie told Dan. Support your answer.