3/12/24 Constructing and
Solving Equations
• Remember:
(a) A formula is a rule that shows the relationship between
two or more quantities (variables). It must have an equals
sign.
(b) An expression is a statement that involves one or more
variables, but does not have an equals sign.
(c) An equation contains an unknown number. It must have
an equals sign, and it can be solved to find the value of the
unknown number.
• When you are given a problem to solve, you may need to
construct, or write, an equation:
(a) 3x + 5 = 26.
(b) Here, we take up simplifying first. Subtract (because we
have to use the inverse to get rid of the excess numbers) 5 from
both sides: 3x + 5 - 5 = 26 - 5 = 21. So, 3x = 21.
(c) Now, we want to get x itself; not multiplied. So, we divide 21
by 3, which equals 7.
(d) x = 7.
• Solving with equivalent equation:
(a) 6y + 2 = 4y + 18.
(b) Again, we start by simplifying. Because we have two terms
with the same variable, on opposite sides, we can subtract them.
So, 6y + 2 - 4y = 4y + 18 - 4y. Becomes: 2y + 2 = 18.
(c) Now, we get rid of the 2 using its inverse operation, (-). We
subtract it from both sides. So, 2y + 2 - 2 = 18 - 2. Becomes 2y =
16.
(d) Then we can get y as it is, without multiplication. We divide 16
by 2 = 8.
(e) y = 8.
• Always remember to simplify in order. If there are brackets,
expand them. If there are like terms, collect them.
• A fraction (½) of a term (n) is the same as the term multiplied
by the numerator and divided by the denominator. ½n= ⁱ⁺ⁿ/2.
So, to simplify, we start by multiplying both sides of the
equation by the denominator.
• Subtracting a positive number from a negative number is the
same as adding two negative numbers together.