Question 157292
(1) 3x + b = 6x solve for x

To solve for a variable means to place the letter alone on one side of the equation.

We need to ISOLATE x.

Let's begin by subtracting 3x from both side.

We now have this:

b = 6x - 3x

b = 3x

To find x, divide both sides of the equation by 3.

b/3 = x....This is the value of x and your answer.

Do you see that x is left alone on the right side?

I just solved for x.

=================================================


(2) -5a + y = -54 solve for y

The same applies here.

ISOLATE y: put it all alone on one side of the equation.

To find y, simply add 5a to both sides.

y = 5a - 54

Do you see that y is now alone (or ISOLATED) on the left side of the equation?

That's what it means to solve for a variable, ANY VARIABLE.

Did you follow?