Solve variable equations

Learning Objectives Identify the variable in a simple equation. Define what it means to 'solve' an equation. Use inverse operations (addition and subtraction) to solve for a variable. Use inverse operations (multiplication and division) to solve for a variable. Solve one-step variable equations involving all four basic operations. Check their solution by substituting the value back into the original equation. What if a number was hiding in a math problem? 🕵️‍♀️ Let's become math detectives and find the secret number! In this lesson, you will learn how to find the value of a missing number, called a variable, in an equation. This is like solving a puzzle where you need to figure out the one piece that fits perfectly. Knowing how to do this is a key step in bec...

TermDefinitionExample VariableA letter or symbol that stands for a number we don't know yet. It's a placeholder for the mystery number.In the equation `x + 3 = 7`, the letter `x` is the variable. EquationA math sentence that says two things are equal. It always has an equals sign (=).`4 + 5 = 9` is an equation. `n + 2 = 10` is also an equation. ExpressionA group of numbers, variables, and operation signs, but without an equals sign.`n + 2` is an expression. `8 * 3` is also an expression. SolveTo find the number that the variable stands for, making the equation true.To solve `x + 3 = 7`, we find that `x` must be 4. Inverse OperationsOperations that 'undo' each other. They are opposites.Addition and subtraction are inverse operations. Multiplication and division are inve...

Inverse Property of Addition If `x + a = b`, then `x = b - a` To solve an equation where a number is added to the variable, you subtract that same number from both sides of the equation. Inverse Property of Subtraction If `x - a = b`, then `x = a + b` To solve an equation where a number is subtracted from the variable, you add that same number to both sides of the equation. Inverse Property of Multiplication If `a * x = b`, then `x = b / a` To solve an equation where a variable is multiplied by a number, you divide both sides of the equation by that same number. Inverse Property of Division If `x / a = b`, then `x = a * b` To solve an equation where a variable is divided by a number, you multiply both sides of the equation by that same number.