Solving Equations

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

Isolating a variable means manipulating the equation to get the variable on one side of the equation by itself.

Divide both sides by 12 to isolate x. The solution is $$x = 12$$ .

Combine like terms to get $$4c + 3 = 43$$ , then isolate c to find $$c = 10$$ .

Subtract 7 from both sides to isolate x. The solution is $$x = 5$$ .

Divide both sides by 3 to isolate y. The solution is $$y = -5$$ .

Combine like terms to get $$6m - 7 = 11$$ , then isolate m to find $$m = 3$$ .

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Combining like terms means to simplify an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Inverse operations are used to reverse the effect of an operation, helping to isolate the variable.