Solving for a variable means:
Isolate the variable

Solve 5a - 2b = 15 for a

1) When solving we don't need to get a value answer
2) Identify what is happening to the variable.

3) Write a sentence for the equation above.

Solve 5a - 2b = 15 for a

5 times a minus two b

If you write out the sentence happening to a, you can undo everything to 15

Let's make a sentence with 15 undoing everything happening to a using inverse operations. Start by undoing addition and subtraction

15 plus two b all divided by 5

When we have to undo division or multiplication, everything must be divided or multiplied.

Variables on both sides?

Get them on the same side first!

4p - 7r = 2p + 16z + 4r solve for p