Algebra: Chapter 3-5 and 3-6, pages 136 and 139.
More on Solving Equations (3-5)
Solve equations by first getting all variables on the same side of the equation. Get rid of the paranthesis too (distributive property if required). Go slow and ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR ANSWER, PLUG IT BACK IN TO SEE IF IT WORKS, IF NOT, CHECK YOUR MATH FOR SIMPLE MATH OR SIGN ERRORS!
Click here for some more examples. Don’t forget to try out Nutshellmathplus.com too!
Clearing an Equation of Fractions or Decimals (3-6)
In equations containing fractions, you can use the multiplication property to make the equation easier to solve. To clear the equation of fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denominator (LCD) of all the fractions in the equation. If you wish to clear the decimals in an equation, multiply both sides by the appropriate power of 10 OR move the decimal places to the left (or right as necessary) for ALL terms an equal amount (e.g., make sure you move them ALL 2 places to the left – obviously, this is the same as multiplying by 100)
Remember the steps to SOLVING EQUATIONS:
- Multiply both sides to clear fractions or decimals, if necessary.
- Collect like terms on each side, if necessary.
- Use the addition property to move the variable to one side and all other terms to the other side of the equation.
- Collect like terms again, if necessary
- Add or subtract to isolate the variable and finally
- Use the multiplication or division or reciprocal properties to solve for the variable.