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The Search for X. X. Solving Equations. Algebra uses letters or symbols to represent unknown numbers. This is called a variable. We are going to be finding this unknown variable. We are going to call this unknown variable X . 7x + 4x - 6 .
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Solving Equations • Algebra uses letters or symbols to represent unknown numbers. • This is called a variable. • We are going to be finding this unknown variable. • We are going to call this unknown variable X.
7x + 4x - 6 A coefficient is a number that multiplies a variable A constant is a term that has no variable Like terms have identical variables A term is a number or the product of a number and variable This diagram shows the possible parts of a variable expression
Simplifying • You can simplify a variable expression by replacing it with the an expression that has as few terms as possible. 7x + 4x - 6 Combine like terms 11x - 6
Variables and Equations • An equation is a mathematical sentence with an equal sign. • An open sentence is an equation with one or more variables. 2 + 2 = 4 X + 2 = 4
Finding the value of the variable • A solution is a value for the variable that makes an equation true. 2 + x = 4 -2 -2 x = 2 In other words- Get x by itself, Matey’s!!