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Solving Equations

An equation is a mathematical statement formed by placing an equal sign between two numerical or variable expressions, as in 3 x + 5 = 11 .

A solution to an equation is a number that can be plugged in for the variable to make a true number statement.

Example 1:

Solve: 15 x = 12

What number should be subtracted from 15 to get 12 ?

We know that 3 should be subtracted from 15 to get 12 . So,

15 3 = 12

Therefore,

x = 3

Hence, the solution of 15 x = 12 is 3 .

Example 2:

Solve: 7 y = 77

What number when multiplied by 7 gives 77 ?

11 when multiplied by 7 gives 77 . So,

7 11 = 77

Simplify. We get:

77 = 77

So, the solution is 11 .

Example 3:

Solve: 84 ÷ z = 12

84 when divided by what number gives 12 ?

The number, 84 when divided by 7 gives 12 . So,

84 ÷ 7 = 12 .

Therefore,

z = 7 .

Example 4:

Solve: 13.4 m = 9.0

What number when subtracted from 13.4 gives 9.0 ?

The number, 4.4 when subtracted from 13.4 gives 9.0 . So,

13.4 4.4 = 9.0 .

Therefore,

m = 4.4 .