Contributor: Stefani Allegretti. Lesson ID: 14195
Are you ready to unlock the mystery of equations? Solving an equation is like going on a mission to uncover the hidden values of math symbols. Get ready to solve one-step equations with one variable!
Detectives solve all kinds of mysteries.
Think of Sherlock Holmes, the ultimate detective.
He would find many clues that led him to the answer he sought.
Solving an equation is like solving a mystery; the mystery of the missing variable.
Get ready to go on a mission to uncover the hidden values of math symbols and learn how to solve one-step equations with one variable!
Time to solve the mystery of x!
In an equation, x represents the unknown variable.
This is what you need to find to solve the equation.
Take a look at the simple equation below.
x - 4 = 10
To solve this equation, you first need to isolate the variable or x.
You can simply add 4 to the left side of the equation to undo the -4.
When you do that, you are left with x.
However, you also need to add 4 to the right side of the equation to ensure everything is equal on both sides.
So, you can add 4 to 10.
So, your simplified equation looks like this.
x = 14
Success!
You have solved the mystery!
The solution is 14!
x = 14
Way to go, math detective!
One more thing.
Substitute your solution back into the original equation, x - 4 = 10
14 - 4 = 10
It is correct!
Now, watch the beginning of this video to see this process in action!
As you can see, you can isolate the x or the variable by zeroing out any other number.
You do this using the inverse operation.
You can undo addition with subtraction or subtraction with addition.
Simple!
If you have an equation that asks you to multiply, you use the inverse operation, division, or the multiplicative inverse.
Continuing watching the video to see this example.
There you go!
Excellent work, math detective.
Move on to the Got It? section to solve more math mysteries!