How to Solve Equations

The Fundamental Principles of Algebra

1. We are trying to get the variable by itself (isolating the variable).

2. Whatever you do to one side of the equal side you must do to the other side.

Steps For solving equations

1. Ask yourself what is being done to my variable.

2. Do the inverse operation to both sides of the equation.

3. Now, your variable should equal the answer.

Ex. 2+n=8 1. I am adding 2 to my variable.

-2 -2 2. I subtracted 2 from 2 and 8

n = 6 3. So, n = 6.

Checking Equations

1. Rewrite the problem. 2+n=8

2. Replace the variable with the answer. 2+6=8

3. Do all the operations to get your answer. 2+6=8

8=8

4. Your variable should equal the answer. n=6

Vocabulary

Equation: two numbers or expressions that are equal in value

Variable: any letter that can represent a number and can vary

Inverse Operations: operations that undo each other (do the opposite)

2 Step Algebra

1.What is being done to my variable? 2+ 7x=58

2. Make whatever number that is not with the variable a 0. -2 -2

3. Do inverse operations to the number next to the variable. 7x=56

7x/7=56/7

4.One times anything is itself. 1x=8

5. The variable should equal the answer. x=8

Extra Help

http://www.inmath.com/Basic-algebra/Basic-algebra-intro.php- this is a home page to many places where you can get help for algebra.

http://www.algebrahelp.com/lessons/equationbasics/index.htm-on this site look at pages 1-5.