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Intro to Basic Algebra Concepts

Variables represent unknown quantities in expressions and equations. An expression contains variables and operations, while an equation sets two expressions equal. Solving an equation involves performing the same operations to both sides until the variable is isolated. There are two main methods: adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing both sides, and transposing terms by changing their signs when moving to the other side. Equations can model word problems and be constructed from given solutions.

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Midhun Bhuvanesh.B 7A
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293 views2 pages

Intro to Basic Algebra Concepts

Variables represent unknown quantities in expressions and equations. An expression contains variables and operations, while an equation sets two expressions equal. Solving an equation involves performing the same operations to both sides until the variable is isolated. There are two main methods: adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing both sides, and transposing terms by changing their signs when moving to the other side. Equations can model word problems and be constructed from given solutions.

Uploaded by

Midhun Bhuvanesh.B 7A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Simple Equations

Variables and Expressions


Variable is a quantity that can take any value, its value is not fixed. It is a symbol for a number
whose value is unknown yet.
Expressions are formed by performing operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division on the variables.
Example: 6x – 3 is an expression in variable x.

Algebraic Equation
An equation is a condition on a variable such that two expressions in the variable should
have equal value.
Example: 8x−8=16 is an equation.
The value of the variable in an equation for which the equation is satisfied is called
the solution of the equation.
Example: The solution for the equation 2x−3=5 is x=4.

More about Equations

Mathematical Operations on Expressions


 Addition of variables: (3x+4z)+(5y+6)
 Subtraction of variables: (4x−7y)−(6y+5)
 Multiplication of variables: (5xy+6)×7x
 Division of variables: (8xz+5z)/(5x-6y)

Solving an Equation
Solving an equation involves performing the same operations on the expressions on either
side of the “=” sign so that the value of the variable is found without disturbing the balance.
Example : Solve 2x+4=10
Consider 2x+4=10
⇒2x+4−4=10−4 [Subtracting 4 from both LHS and RHS] ⇒2x=6
⇒2x/2=6/2 [Dividing both LHS and RHS by 2] ⇒x=3

Methods of Solving an Equation


Method 1: performing the same operations on the expressions on either side of the “=” sign so
that the value of the variable is found without disturbing the balance.
Opertions involve Adding, subtracting, multipling or dividing on both sides.
Example: x+2=6
Subtract 2 from LHS and RHS
⇒ LHS: x+2−2=x
⇒ RHS: 6−2=4
But LHS = RHS
⇒x=4
Method 2: Transposing
It involves moving the terms to one side of the equation to find out the value of the variable.
When terms move from one side to another they change their sign.
Example: x+2=6
Transpose (+2) from LHS to RHS
⇒x=6−2
⇒x=4

Applying Equations

Forming Equation from Solution


Given a solution, many equations can be constructed.
Example: Given solution: x = 3
Multiply both sides by 4,
⇒ 4x=4×3
Add -5 to both sides,
⇒ 4x−5=12−5
⇒ 4x−5=7
Similarly, more equations can be constructed.

Applications (Word problem)


Example: Ram’s father is 3 times as old as his son Ram. After 15 years, he will be twice the age
of his son. Form an equation and solve it.
Solution: Let Ram’s age be x.
⇒ His father’s age is 3x.
After 15 years:
3x+15=2(x+15)
On solving,
3x+15=2x+30
3x−2x=30−15
x=15
∴ Ram’s age is 15 and his dad’s age is 45.

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