Piqosity - Adaptive Practice Tests for the ISEE, ACT, and SAT.

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Video Script (0:06) On the most basic level, an equation is a statement that one expression is equal to another expression. (0:12) When equations contain variables, we can use that statement of equality, along with the basic rules of algebra, to help us determine their value... whether it’s a numerical value or a value expressed in terms of other variables. (0:25) When an equation contains just one variable - x, for instance - it’s often a simple process to isolate it - that is, to rearrange the equation such that the variable stands alone on one side of the equals sign. We just need to make sure that the equation remains balanced as we rearrange it. (0:43) What does it mean to keep an equation balanced? It means making sure that the original statement of equality given by the equation remains true as we move things around. If we perform an operation - that is: (0:56) adding or subtracting, multiplying or dividing, or even raising numbers to a power - (1:02) and we apply that operation to one side of the equation but not the other, we’ve thrown the equation out of balance. (1:10) Take this equation as an example. (1:12) We can rearrange the equation to solve for x, but we must ensure that the equation stays in balance. (1:16) We want to get x by itself, so our first step would be to move the constant 6 from the left side of the equation to the right. We can do this by subtracting it, since subtraction is the inverse of addition. (1:30) If we only subtract 6 from one side of the equation, it is no longer in balance; the statement that these two expressions are equal is no longer true. If we subtract 6 from the right side, the equation will be in balance again. (1:45) Now, we’ve rearranged our equation while keeping it in balance. All that’s left to isolate the variable - or solve for x - is to divide both sides by 4, since x has a coefficient of 4 in the equation, and the inverse of multiplication is division. (2:00) The ability to balance equations is a fundamental skill that you may already be comfortable with, but it’s an important stepping stone for a wide variety of math problems. (2:10) To solve more complicated problems, you’ll need to use this skill in conjunction with other math knowledge, such as combining like terms, factoring and distributing, and working with fractions, decimals, exponents, and radicals. As long as you remember why it is important to keep equations in balance, you can tackle any of these problems. (2:30) Let’s say you encounter a problem like this one. (2:34) The process we need to use to solve for x is the same as before: we must isolate the variable while keeping the equation in balance at every step: (3:10) You’ll also see problems with multiple variables. On standardized tests, you may be asked to give the value of one variable “in terms of” one or more other variables. (3:21) The variable that you’re asked to express in terms of the other variables is the one you’ll need to isolate. (3:27) As always, we just need make sure we keep our equation in balance and we’ll reach the correct answer: (3:34) Don’t forget! You have to apply each operation to every term on each side of the equation. (3:52) Problems with multiple variables like these are sometimes called “literal” equations, and they can be particularly useful for solving real-world problems. For instance, we can rearrange the equation that gives us the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit in terms of the temperature in degrees Celsius: (4:08) Into an equation that gives the temperature in degrees Celsius in terms of the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit: (4:14) Rearranging equations like this one can make seemingly complicated mathematical operations easier to comprehend and put to use.	Show	Edit	Destroy
You can think of equations as one or more actions that result in a specific value. It can be as simple as 1 + 1 = 2 or include more actions and steps like . There is always an equal sign between the action and the result, which is a statement that one expression is equal to the other. Since algebraic expressions can have multiple parts, we can manipulate an equation to make several mathematical statements. Generally this means having a single variable on one side of the equation with everything else on the other side. Whatever is done to one side of the equation must be done to the other side of the equation to maintain equivalence or balance. How to Balance Algebraic Equations Think of it in terms of a balanced seesaw where a person on one end of the seesaw weighs exactly the same as the person on the other end of the seesaw. If one person is handed a 10‐lb. weight, the balance is broken; however, the balance can be restored if the other person is handed a 10‐lb. weight. The same is true if we remove the 10‐lb. weight from one person and not the other. Long story short, whatever is done to one side of the equation must be done to the other side of the equation to maintain equivalence or balance. Whatever is done to one side of the equation must be done to the other side of the equation to maintain equivalence or balance. Example of Balancing Equations Tips to Keep in Mind Practice Questions Answers to Practice Questions C A D B A	Show	Edit	Destroy

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