SOLUTION: When solving a linear equation in one variable, the objective is to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. What does that mean and give an example.

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons  -> Linear Equations Lesson -> SOLUTION: When solving a linear equation in one variable, the objective is to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. What does that mean and give an example.      Log On


   



Question 180071: When solving a linear equation in one variable, the objective is to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. What does that mean and give an example.
Answer by Mathtut(3670) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3a+5=-2a+15
:
to isolate the variable a we will do the following
:
5a=10......we added 2a and subtracted 5 from both sides
:
highlight%28a=5%29we divided both sides by 5 to isolate the variable a