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