Equations

From Wikiversity

Contents 1 The Basic Definition 2 Equations, solving & simplifying 2.1 Solving Equations 2.2 Simplifying Equations

[edit] The Basic Definition

An equation is basically a math problem with a variable and an equal sign in the middle, for instance:
7 + a = b
6 + 10 = x
x = y

[edit] Equations, solving & simplifying

They are similar but completely different things.

[edit] Solving Equations

Solving an equation means finding out the value of a variable. As shown below: x = 3 + 7
A simple one, if you do 3 + 7, which equals 10, then you get
x = 10
You have just solved for x.

Another example:
a + b = 3 + 10
You can do 3 + 10, which equals 13, then you get
a + b = 13
But it is still not done yet. To keep the equation equal, you must do the same thing to both sides of the equal sign. So this time, subtract one "a" from both sides, this gives you:
b = 13 - a
Despite the fact that you will never know what a or b are, you have just solved for b.
Subtracting "a" might have confused you, that will be explained in the next section.

[edit] Simplifying Equations

Simplifying equations involves cutting out as much as possible so it can make the most sense and give the same message with the least amount of trouble (and typing, for that matter).

Take a look at this:
1/2((2a - 6)+ 4) * 8 = 2³b - 4((3-2)+7)
Aw jeez, you can't be serious. However, despite how complex that is, it all stems from the simple equation:
a = b