Solving Equations using Distribution
|
Some equations involve many steps. What do you think would be the first step in this problem? The first step would be to distribute the 3. Here is the order you want to use when solving longer equations like this one:
1) Distribute
2) Combine like terms 3) Move number added to the variable 4) Move number multiplied by the variable Let's finish the problem above
3(x+2)+5x=10 3x+6+5x=10 8x+6=10 8x+6-6=10-6 8x=4   Notice we followed the proper order. Let's do one more example:
5(x-1)+2x=-8 5x-5+2x=-8 7x-5=-8 7x-5+5=-8+5 7x=-3   These are not difficult, but you do have to be careful in your work and just take them one step at a time. Practice:Solve the following equations.
1) 3(x+1)+4x=2
Answers:
1)2) 2(y-4)-9y=6 3) -4(x-8)+x=3 4) 3n+2(n-1)=-5 5) 4=7(x+2)+2x 
2) y=-2
3)
4)
5) |
|
Related Links: Math Algebra Factors |