Solving Equations

2(x+4) + 2 ​= 4x + 5 + 2x

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1. ​Distribute if needed: 2(x+4) ---> 2x+8

2. Combine like terms: add up all the variables, add up all the constants.​

   2x + 8 + 2​ = 4x +2x + 5 ------> 2x +10 = 6x +5

3. Use inverse operations to add or subtract so that you end up with one constant term.

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4. Use inverse operations to add or subtract so that you end up with one variable.

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5. ​Divide the constant by the coefficient that is attached to the variable.

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1. Go to "calculate" under the scratchpad

2. Press the menu key

3. Press the number 3: Algebra, then the number 1​: Numerical Solve

4. Inside the parenthesis type in the equation EXACTLY as you see it. Make sure to add a comma with whatever variable you are solving for.

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nSolve​ ( 2(x+4) + 2 ​= 4x + 5 + 2x , x )

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5. ​Press "enter" and the calculate will solve for the variable that you asked for.

​Writing Equations/Inequalities from Word Problems

• ​Look for key words that represent the variable term: per, each, every, an, rate

• Look for key words or phrases that represent the constant term: Initial fee, starting, down payment, up front, down payment

• Look for key words that represent symbols: equal to, same as, less than, more than, greater than, no more than, no less than, fewer than, larger than, etc.

• Look for key words that mean add or subtract: decr​ease by, increase by, spends, saves, plus, minus, additional, descending, ascending.