Algebra: basic

When you tutor math, you see various approaches to algebra. Here’s my interpretation:

1) Decide which side you want “x” (or whatever variable you have).

2) Get all the x terms to that side, and all the numbers to the other side.

To do this, you perform a series of operations: always the same to both sides.

3) Divide out the coefficient of x.

Here’s an example:

7x – 1 = 5x + 9

Let’s get the x’s on the left. To get rid of the 5x on the right, we subtract 5x from both sides:

7x – 1 = 5x + 9

-5x -5x

On the left, 7x – 5x = 2x. On the right, 5x – 5x = 0. We are left with:

2x – 1 = 9

Now, let’s get the numbers to the other side. To get rid of a -1, we add 1 (as always, to both sides):

2x – 1 = 9

+1 +1

2x = 10

Now we divide both sides by the coefficient of x, which is 2, to cancel it. Then we get the result:

x = 5

I’ll be talking more about algebra, of course, but for the first day back, this is probably good.

Have a great day. All the luck this school year, and come visit me often for more tips!