When it comes to understanding algebra, there is no getting around the need to be able to solve simple equations. An equation is a mathematical statement that shows two different measurements, or terms, to be equal. A very basic example of a mathematical equation would be “2 + 2 = 4.” Take note of the “=” sign, as it will be present in every single possible equation, no matter how complex. Equations are most frequently used to solve for one or more missing terms, which are called variables. These are usually represented by letters, such as “x” or “y.”
That’s a bit complicated to start out with, though, so let’s take a look at the simple linear equation: “x + 2 = 4.” In order to solve for “x” in the first example a student would need to isolate the variable, meaning that the “x” would have to appear by itself on one side of the “=” with all remaining elements on the other. This can be done by performing the opposite function of what is currently written to both sides of the equation. In this example that would mean subtracting 2 from both sides, leaving “x = 4 – 2,” or “x = 2” when solved.
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Answer:
When it comes to understanding algebra, there is no getting around the need to be able to solve simple equations. An equation is a mathematical statement that shows two different measurements, or terms, to be equal. A very basic example of a mathematical equation would be “2 + 2 = 4.” Take note of the “=” sign, as it will be present in every single possible equation, no matter how complex. Equations are most frequently used to solve for one or more missing terms, which are called variables. These are usually represented by letters, such as “x” or “y.”
That’s a bit complicated to start out with, though, so let’s take a look at the simple linear equation: “x + 2 = 4.” In order to solve for “x” in the first example a student would need to isolate the variable, meaning that the “x” would have to appear by itself on one side of the “=” with all remaining elements on the other. This can be done by performing the opposite function of what is currently written to both sides of the equation. In this example that would mean subtracting 2 from both sides, leaving “x = 4 – 2,” or “x = 2” when solved.