Equations and Expressions

Solving Equations:

· FIND THE VARIABLE Examples: 4 + x = 13 23 = y - 7

· WHAT’S WITH IT (what operation)? -4 - 4 +7 +7

· DO THE OPPOSITE x = 9 30

· WHATEVER YOU DO TO ONE SIDE,

YOU MUST DO TO THE OTHER

7x = 35 h = 6

7 7 3

X = 5 (3) h = 6 (3)

3 h = 18

Two Step Equations:

· Do addition/subtraction first:

3x + 2 = 23

-2 -2

3x = 21

3 3

X = 7

Combining Like Terms:

· Only combine like terms: 3x + 2m + x + 5m

4x + 7m

Distributive Property:

· Think of the postman delivering mail – he must go to every house in the neighborhood

· Multiply every term

5 ( 3n + 7 + 2n – 2)

15n + 35 + 10n – 10

25n + 25 (combine like terms)