Algebra Lesson 3 – Solving for X
by Elaine Ernst Schneider
Objective(s): By the end of this lesson the student will be able to:
Pre Class Assignment: Completion of Basic Algebra – Lesson 2
Resources/Equipment/Time Required:
Outline:
A quick review:
1. When you write algebraic expressions, use +, -, and = signs. For division, use / , the same way you know that when you see a fraction, it means to divide the top number by the bottom number.
2. For multiplication, write the expression with no symbol or sign between them as the X (multiplication) symbol can be confused with the variable x. For example 3 times the variable y should be written 3y. You can also use parentheses to indicate multiplication. This is especially useful in longer problems such as (3y)(4-2x).
3. When you want to multiply something AFTER another expression has been done first, use parenthesis. For example, if you want to add x and y and THEN multiply the result by 7, write it this way: 7(x + y).
4. To translate from language to a math expression, read the sentence carefully. Then decide what operations it will take to reach a solution. Write this into an algebraic expression.
Something new:
1. To take something OUT of parenthesis, do the operation one number at a time. For example, 7(x+y). First, multiply 7 times x. Then multiply 7 times y. The result is 7x + 7y.
2. When you solve for x, you want to “isolate” the x on one side of the equal sign. To do this, use the opposite sign of the number you want to move and do the same thing to BOTH sides of the equation.
For example: 8x + 2 = 50
8x + 2 – 2 = 50 – 2 (Subtract 2 from both sides of the = sign)
8x = 48 (Divide by 8 to solve because that is opposite of multiplication)
x = 6
And now a fun problem to make you really think. Solve using algebra. Translate into an expression and solve.
You can do it!
Assignment(s) including Answer key:
George is 4 years older than Jon, who is 4 years older than Jim, who is 4 years older than Sam, who is 1/2 the age of George. How old is each boy? Hint: let x represent George’s age.
Answer Key : Click Here
Pre-Requisite To: Basic Algebra – 4
For more articles by this Consultant Click Here
For more articles on Grade 9 Algebra
