SOLUTION: my question is,I have a math question that looks like this y-7=8. the uestion is what does the letter (y)and (x) represent when working with evaluate,simplify, and sloving variable

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: my question is,I have a math question that looks like this y-7=8. the uestion is what does the letter (y)and (x) represent when working with evaluate,simplify, and sloving variable      Log On

Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!

   

Question 10285: my question is,I have a math question that looks like this y-7=8. the uestion is what does the letter (y)and (x) represent when working with evaluate,simplify, and sloving variable expression and equations
Answer by longjonsilver(2297) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the "letter" is the "unknown" in an equation. It is the thing you are trying to find the value(s) of.

Evaluate means work out, eg Evaluate 3(2x-5) when x=4, gives 3(2(4)-5), which is 3(8-5), which is 3(3) which is 9.

Simplify means just that, eg Simplify 3x-4y+2x-5xy gives 5x-4y-5xy
Solve means find the "roots" of the given equation. This is any points that satisfy y=0. In other words, find the value(s) of x where the equation crosses the x-axis.

jon.