Basic Algebra/Solving Equations/Solving Equations with Multiplication and Division

Vocabulary

Coefficient - A natural number (the numbers used for counting) next to a variable (the letter for which we solve the equation, also known as an unknown). For example, a variable with a coefficient of 3 would be 3x.

Lesson

Like in the previous section, the goal is to isolate the Variable. In other words, get the variable on one side, and the constants on the other.

However, what happens when we are dealing with multiplication on a Variable?

if x is some number, 3x means three times that number.

In order to isolate the variable, we have to get rid of the coefficient. You can choose to do this before OR after you move the constants like you did in the previous section, although it's generally easier to do so afterwards.

Fractional coefficients are Basically just division. 1/2 of some number x can be written as (1/2)x or x/2. This can be helpful to remember, because all that you have to do in either case, all you have to do is multiply both sides by the bottom number, and presto chango, you have a solved equation.

Practice Games

put links here to games that reinforce these skills

Practice Problems

Use / as the fraction line and put spaces between the wholes and fractions!

Easy Solve for x:

1 3x=9

x=

2 4x=16

x=

Medium Solve for g:

3 2=3g/4

g=