To solve an equationis to isolate the variable.
To isolate the variablemeans to get it alone
on one sideof the equation.
47
x
Given the equation,how do we isolate
the x?
47
x
What number has to move to leave x alone on one side of the equation?
What number has to move to leave x alone on one side of the equation?
47
x
4x7
If we couldmove the seven,
If we could
the x would be isolated.
7777777
x4
7
move the seven,
4x
The next question is, how can we move the 7?
7
4x
What is the seven doing in the equation?
7
4x
What operation undoes division?
7
4x
To move the 7,we just need to multiply
7
both sides of the equationby 7.
to one side of an equationwhen you do something
Remember . . .
7 4x7
you have to do exactly
the same thing
7
to the other side.
7 4x7
When we simplify,
77 4x7
When we simplify,
we will have our solution.
28x
To solve equations
that involve multiplicationyou divide,
153 a3 3
To solve equations
that involve multiplicationyou divide,
5a
and to solve equations
that involve divisionyou multiply.
29
b9 9
and to solve equations
that involve divisionyou multiply.
18b
Try these:
244 x1.
52
x
2.
122 x3.
6x
10x
6x
