Chapter 05 Solving for the Unknown: A How-To Approach for Solving Equations McGraw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2011 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Explain the basic procedures used to solve equations for the unknown 2. List the five rules and the mechanical steps used to solve for the unknown in seven situations; know how to check the answers Solving for the Unknown: A how-to Approach for Solving Equations #5 Learning Unit Objectives Solving Equations for the Unknown LU5.1

List the steps for solving word problems 2. Complete blueprint aids to solve word problems; check the solutions Solving for the Unknown: A how-to Approach for Solving Equations #5 Learning Unit Objectives Solving Word Problems for the Unknown LU5.2

5-4 Expression – A meaningful combination of numbers and letters called terms. Equation – A mathematical statement with an equal sign showing that a mathematical expression on the left equals the mathematical expression on the right. Formula – An equation that expresses in symbols a general fact, rule, or principle. Variables and constants are terms of mathematical expressions. Terminology

5-5 Solving Equations for the Unknown Left side of equation Right side of equation Equality in equations A Dick’s age in 8 years will equal 58

5-6 Variables and Constants Rules 1. If no number is in front of a letter, it is a 1: B = 1B; C = 1C 2. If no sign is in front of a letter or number, it is a +: C = +C; 4 = +4

5-7 Solving for the Unknown Rule Whatever you do to one side of an equation, you must do to the other side.

5-8 Opposite Process Rule If an equation indicates a process such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division, solve for the unknown or variable by using the opposite process.

5-9 Opposite Process Rule A + 8 = A = 50 Check = 58

5-10 Equation Equality Rule You can add the same quantity or number to both sides of the equation and subtract the same quantity or number from both sides of the equation without affecting the equality of the equation. You can also divide or multiply both sides of the equation by the same quantity or number (except 0) without affecting the equality of the equation.

5-11 Equation Equality Rule 7G = 35 7 G = 5 Check 7(5) = 35

5-12 Multiple Processes Rule When solving for an unknown that involves more than one process, do the addition and subtraction before the multiplication and division.

5-13 Multiple Process Rule H + 2 = 5 4 H + 2 = H = 3 4 H = 4(3) 4 H = 12 () (4) Check = = 5

5-14 Parentheses Rule When equations contain parentheses (which indicates grouping together, you solve for the unknown by first multiplying each item inside the parentheses by the number or letter just outside the parentheses. Then you continue to solve for the unknown with the opposite process used in the equation. Do the addition and subtractions first; then the multiplication and division.

5-15 Parentheses Rule 5(P - 4) = 20 5P – 20 = P = 40 5 P =8 Check 5(8-4) = 20 5(4) = = 20

5-16 Like Unknown Rule To solve equations with like unknowns, you first combine the unknowns and then solve with the opposite process used in the equation.

5-17 Like Unknown Rule 4A + A = 20 5A = 20 5 A = 4 Check 4(4) +4 = = 20

5-18 Solving Word Problems for Unknowns 1) Read the entire Problem 2) Ask: “What is the problem looking for?” 3) Let a variable represent the unknown 4) Visualize the relationship between the unknowns and variables. Then set up an equation to solve for unknown(s) 5) Check your results to ensure accuracy Y = Computers 4Y + Y = 600 Read again if necessary

5-19 Solving Word Problems for the Unknown Blueprint aid

5-20 Solving Word Problems for the Unknown ICM Company sold 4 times as many computers as Ring Company. The difference in their sales is 27. How many computers of each company were sold? 4C - C = 27 3C = C = 9 Ring = 9 computers ICM = 4(9) = 36 Computers Cars Sold ICM 4C 4C Ring C -C 27 Check = 27

5-21 Problem 5-34: Solution: Unknown(s) Variable(s) Relationship Shift 1 4S 4S (4,400) Shift 2 S + S (1,100) 5,500 4S + S = 5,500 = 5,500 5 S = 1,100 4S = 4,400 5S 5

5-22 Problem 5-36: Solution: Unknown(s) Variable(s) Relationship Jim T T ($10,000) Phyllis 3T + 3T ($30,000) $40,000 T + 3T = $40,000 = $40,000 4 T = $10,000 3T = $30,000 4T 4

5-23 Problem 5-38: Solution: Unknown(s) Variable(s) Price Relationship Thermometers 7B $2 14B Hot-water Bottles B 6 +6B Total = $1,200 14B + 6B = 1,200 = B = 60 bottles 7B = 420 thermometers 20B 20 1, Check: 60($6) + 420($2) = $1,200 $360 + $840 = $1,200 $1,200 = $1,200