1. 1.4 Solving Equations

2. Review of Terms
A variable is a letter which represents an unknown number. Any letter can be used as a variable.
An algebraic expression contains at least one variable.
Examples: a, x+5, 3y – 2z
A verbal expression uses words to translate algebraic expressions.
Example: “The sum of a number and 3” represents “n+3.”

3. An equation is a sentence that states that two mathematical expressions are equal.
Example: 2x-16=18

4. Steps to Solving Equations
Simplify each side of the equation, if needed, by distributing or combining like terms.
Move variables to one side of the equation by using the opposite operation of addition or subtraction.
Isolate the variable by applying the opposite operation to each side.
First, use the opposite operation of addition or subtraction.
Second, use the opposite operation of multiplication or division.
Check your answer.

5. Examples “y” is the variable.
Add 6 to each side to isolate the variable.
Now divide both sides by 3.
The answer is 5.
Check the answer by substituting it into the original equation.

6. Try this. . .
Did you get x = - 4?
You were right!