Solving Equations

A math equation has two terms or expressions on either side of the equal to sign, with one or both containing an unknown number represented by the letter x. The aim of solving an equation is to try and find the value of x. Learning to solve equations is simple. Equations are solved using a step by step approach and with each progression, students can see how the solution and final answer unravel.

Almost any relationship between variables can be represented mathematically in the form of equations. Rather than using abstract values, think of things you use every day or actions that are carried out. Whether it's counting leftovers, calculating discounts or percentages, or figuring out how much you have of something based on something else, equations are used in all of them.

Word problems in algebra need to be converted to linear equations before you can solve them. Word problems might present a problem initially, when students don't know what parts to focus on. Many students think they need to understand the entire problem before they can begin to solve it. This leads to a lot of confusion since word problems generally contain some information that you don't need and are worded to test your deductive abilities. Focus on terms like 'greater than', 'so many times something', 'lesser than' and other similar ones that you will find repeated in question after question. These terms indicate the mathematical operation to be used and the variables you need to calculate.

The golden rule for simplifying equations is to carry out the same operation on both sides of the equation. In order to find the answer, the unknown factor x is isolated on one side and the numbers on the other side are simplified to get a single number. Simplifying an equation means to get rid of unnecessary terms. So if you have a +5 on the left hand side, subtract it by 5 and it’s gone. But remember the equation needs to be balanced so you have to subtract 5 on the right hand side as well.

Linear equations, algebraic equations, differential and trigonometry equations; students will learn each type eventually so it’s good to get a hang of solving them early on.