Solve Equations 8306Cf

1. **State the problem:** We want to learn how to solve equations, which means finding the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the equation true. 2. **Formula and rules:** An equation is a statement that two expressions are equal, for example, $$ax + b = c$$. 3. **Important rules:** - You can add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides of the equation by the same number (except division by zero). - When dividing or multiplying, be careful with signs. - Always perform the same operation on both sides to keep the equation balanced. 4. **Example:** Solve $$2x + 3 = 7$$. 5. **Step 1:** Subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 4$$ 6. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2: $$\frac{\cancel{2}x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{4}{2}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 2$$ 7. **Answer:** The solution to the equation $$2x + 3 = 7$$ is $$x = 2$$. This method applies to many linear equations and can be extended to more complex ones by isolating the variable step-by-step.