Solving Equations

Term

Parts of an expression. A number by itself or a number being multiplied or divided by a variable. Each part is separated by + or -

Solving one step equations

Step 1: Isolate the variable on one side of the equal sign Step 2: Ask yourself "what is happening to the variable?" Step 3: Now do the inverse operation in order to get the variable alone. Step 4: Anything you do it to one side of the = you MUST do it to the other

Operators

Tell us what to do in a mathematical equation. EX: +, -, *, /

Equation

1. A mathematical statement that has two expressions that are equal. 2.To solve an equation we find the value of the variable that make the sentence true.

= or equal sign

1. Is like the fulcrum (resting piece) of a seesaw. 2. In order to keep it balanced what you do to one side you MUST do to the other. 3. you must keep the equation balanced at all times.

Inverse operations

1. Opposite operations to create either 0 or 1 on one side of an equation in order to move the term to the other side. Ex: The opposite of addition is subtraction; the opposite of multiplication is division

Solving 2 step Equations

1. Remember to work PEMDAS backwards. 2.Start by doing the inverse of Addition or Subtraction. 3. Then move to Multiplication or Division

Algebraic Expression

2 or more terms that include one or more variables Ex: 2x + 3

Numerical Expression

2 or more terms using only constants that include at least one operator. EX: 4 + 4

Constant

A number that stays fixed in an expression. It does not have a variable next to it. EX: 6x + 4 (4 is the constant)

Multiplication in Algebra

The following all represent multiplication ab = a*b a(2b) = a *(2*b) 2(5) = 2*5 NOT 25

Coefficient

The number being multiplied by a variable or variables. The number attached to a variable. EX: For 3xy (3 is the coefficient)

Solution

The value of the variable that makes an equation true.

What is the goal for solving an Algebraic Expression?

To get the needed variable alone or isolated on one side of the =

Expression

a mathematical phrase that contains numbers and an operator (+ - * / ). Sometimes an expression allows us to do calculations to find out what quantity the variable is.

Inequality

a mathematical statement that compares at least 2 values

variables

the letters used to represent unknown values