1. Solving Equations

2. To solve an equation, you must isolate the variable (get the letter by itself). You do this by using opposite operations to undo what’s been done (add/subtract, multiply/divide). Whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other, to maintain balance. Think of an equation as a balanced scale with the equal sign in the middle.

3. X + 4 = 7 X + 4 – 4 = 7 – 4 X = 3 X + 4 = 7 -4 -4 X = 3 X = X + 47

4. X - 4 = 7 X – 4 + 4 = 7 + 4 X = 11 X - 4 = 7 + 4 +4 X = 11 - - - - X = + + + + X - 4 7

5. 4X = 8 4X ÷ 4 = 8 ÷ 4 X = 2 4X = 8 4 4 X = 2 http://www.aplusmath.c om/Flashcards/algebra.h tml http://www.shodor.org/i nteractivate/activities/ X = X X X 4X 8