VocabularyVariable: A letter (or symbol) that stands in for an unknown number.
Isolate: To separate or remove from other numbers. In Algebra, isolating means having that be the only object on one side of the equal sign. Constant: Any value in an algebra question that is fixed. For example: 5, 10, 3.14, -2, -14 Coefficient: A number that is placed in-front of a variable. For example: 4m, 3x, 8p. The numbers are classified as coefficients. |
Today's Target: Review the basic steps of algebra and practice isolating the variable.
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Goal of Algebra
The goal of algebra is to find out what number the variable is. This means the variable will be isolated, or on one side of the equal sign. This is so we can "solve" for the variable and find out what number it really is. To do this we need to remember that algebra is more flexible with number placement.
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What you do to one side, you do to the other
"What sides?!"
The equal sign acts as a divider, it separates two sides of the equation. In Algebra, the equal sign tells us that both sides are balanced, both sides are the same in value. In algebra, you can move numbers across the equal sign by performing the opposite operation to both sides. Keeping in mind the goal of algebra is to isolate the variable, this means you want to move numbers next to the variable to the other side of the equal sign by using the opposite operations. |
Live Examples
I am going to model a few questions before you jump ahead. Ensure you have a pencil/paper (or word document) out to make notes.
Practice - 1 Step
The following are 1-step algebra equations. If you are unsure of the process, these will get you going.
Practice - 2 Step
The following are 2-step algebra equations. If you're fairly confident, these will push you forward.
Practice - 3 Step
The following are 3 step algebra equations. These are if you are looking for a challenge.