Patrick's Algebra Post

One Step Equations:

To solve one step equations, you need to isolate the variable. To do that, you need to get rid of the constant, which is the integer in an algebraic equation or expression. To do that, you must cancel the number by using a zero pair. So now you need to balance. What ever you do to one side you must do to the other side. Then you must verify your answer to see if it is correct.

ex.

n +10 = 15

n +10 -10 = 15 -10

n = 5

Verify:
LS RS

n +10 = 15

5 +10 = 15
15 = 15

Alge-Tiles:

ex.

n-2=2

n-2+2=2+2

n=4

Verify:

n-2=2

4-2=2

2=2

Alge-Tiles:

Two Step Equations:

To solve two step equations, you must do what you have to do in one step equations, get rid of the constant. Then once that is gone you must isolate the variable. The opposite of multiplying is dividing, the opposite of dividing is multiplying, the opposite of adding is subtracting and the opposite of subtracting is adding. So you must cancel out all the numbers. Then you have to verify your answer.

ex.

2n + 3 = 11

2n+3-3= 11-3
2n = 8

2n÷2=8÷2
n = 4

Verify:
2n+3=11
2(4)+3=11
8+3=11

11=11

Alge-Tiles:

ex.

x÷2-2=1

x÷2-2+2=1+2

x÷2=3

x÷2x2=3x2

x=6

Verify:

x÷2-2=1
6÷2-2=1

3-2=1

1=1

Alge-Tiles: