Solving Equations

Today I am going to teach you how to solve equations with a variable. You want to get your variable by itself. First, you want to figure out whats being done to your variable. Then you do the opposite operation to both sides of the equation.Lastly, you put your variable equals your answer.



Kindof confusing right? So now i will show you an example to make it easier.




5=n+3 Since you do the opposite operation instead of doing addition you do subtraction.


-3 -3 On the next line you take 3 away from each side so you are left with 5-3&3-3


2=n On the last line you know 3-3=0 so you just put =n,then you go to 5-3 which equals 2.


So finally you have your answer 2=n!

Now I am going to teach you how to check your answer so you can always make sure its right!


First, you rewrite the equation. Then, you plug in your answer into the equation. You plug it in and if the 2 sides are equal you're right! Finally, you write your variable =answer.



Now i will show you using an example! We will use 5=n+3 again.



5=n+3 On the 1st line you simply just rewrite the problem!

2+3=5 Then you plug in your variable and in this case it would be 2+3=5

5=5 Then you write 5=5(your answer)Then on the last line your variable n=2!

n=2



Pretty easy right?....if you dont think this was enough to help you then go to this website!

http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/Algebra/Unit3/steps.htm#step2