MathMaster Blog

To solve the equation for a variable you should:

• Step 1: Simplify each side of the equation by removing parentheses and combining like terms.
• Step 2: Use addition or subtraction to isolate the variable term on one side of the equation.
• Step 3: Use multiplication or division to solve for the variable.

Example:

Solve for p in the following equation

F = S(8 + pt)

Solution:

Step1:

Open the parentheses by the distribution property:

F= 8S + Spt

Step2:

Subtract Spt construction from both sides:

F - Spt = 8S

Step3:

Subtract variable F from both sides:

-Spt = -F + 8S

Step4:

Multiply each side by -1:

Spt = F - 8S

Step5:

Divide each side by construction St: p =(F-8S)/(St)

Answer: p = (F-8S)/(St)

Example 2:

Solve for the variable $\frac{2}{3}$(t - 2) = $\frac{3}{4}$(t + 2)

Solution:

Answer: t = -34