# Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities

## Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality


### Verify a Solution of an Equation

Solving an equation is like discovering the answer to a puzzle. The purpose in solving an equation is to find the value or values of the variable that make each side of the equation the same – so that we end up with a true statement. Any value of the variable that makes the equation true is called a solution to the equation. It is the answer to the puzzle!

### Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality

We are going to use a model to clarify the process of solving an equation. An envelope represents the variable – since its contents are unknown – and each counter represents one. We will set out one envelope and some counters on our workspace, as shown in . Both sides of the workspace have the same number of counters, but some counters are “hidden” in the envelope. Can you tell how many counters are in the envelope?
What are you thinking? What steps are you taking in your mind to figure out how many counters are in the envelope?
Perhaps you are thinking: “I need to remove the 3 counters at the bottom left to get the envelope by itself. The 3 counters on the left can be matched with 3 on the right and so I can take them away from both sides. That leaves five on the right—so there must be 5 counters in the envelope.” See  for an illustration of this process.
What algebraic equation would match this situation? In  each side of the workspace represents an expression and the center line takes the place of the equal sign. We will call the contents of the envelope .
Let’s write algebraically the steps we took to discover how many counters were in the envelope:
Check:
Five in the envelope plus three more does equal eight!
Our model has given us an idea of what we need to do to solve one kind of equation. The goal is to isolate the variable by itself on one side of the equation. To solve equations such as these mathematically, we use the Subtraction Property of Equality.
Let’s see how to use this property to solve an equation. Remember, the goal is to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. And we check our solutions by substituting the value into the equation to make sure we have a true statement.
What happens when an equation has a number subtracted from the variable, as in the equation ? We use another property of equations to solve equations where a number is subtracted from the variable. We want to isolate the variable, so to ‘undo’ the subtraction we will add the number to both sides. We use the Addition Property of Equality.
In , 37 was added to the y and so we subtracted 37 to ‘undo’ the addition. In , we will need to ‘undo’ subtraction by using the Addition Property of Equality.
The next example will be an equation with decimals.

### Solve Equations That Require Simplification

In the previous examples, we were able to isolate the variable with just one operation. Most of the equations we encounter in algebra will take more steps to solve. Usually, we will need to simplify one or both sides of an equation before using the Subtraction or Addition Properties of Equality.
You should always simplify as much as possible before you try to isolate the variable. Remember that to simplify an expression means to do all the operations in the expression. Simplify one side of the equation at a time. Note that simplification is different from the process used to solve an equation in which we apply an operation to both sides.

### Translate to an Equation and Solve

To solve applications algebraically, we will begin by translating from English sentences into equations. Our first step is to look for the word (or words) that would translate to the equals sign.  shows us some of the words that are commonly used.
The steps we use to translate a sentence into an equation are listed below.

### Translate and Solve Applications

Most of the time a question that requires an algebraic solution comes out of a real life question. To begin with that question is asked in English (or the language of the person asking) and not in math symbols. Because of this, it is an important skill to be able to translate an everyday situation into algebraic language.
We will start by restating the problem in just one sentence, assign a variable, and then translate the sentence into an equation to solve. When assigning a variable, choose a letter that reminds you of what you are looking for. For example, you might use q for the number of quarters if you were solving a problem about coins.

### Key Concepts

1. To Determine Whether a Number is a Solution to an Equation


2. Addition Property of Equality


3. Subtraction Property of Equality


4. To Translate a Sentence to an Equation


5. To Solve an Application



### Practice Makes Perfect

Verify a Solution of an Equation
In the following exercises, determine whether the given value is a solution to the equation.
Solve Equations using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality
In the following exercises, solve each equation using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality.
Solve Equations that Require Simplification
In the following exercises, solve each equation.
Translate to an Equation and Solve
In the following exercises, translate to an equation and then solve it.
Translate and Solve Applications
In the following exercises, translate into an equation and solve.

### Everyday Math


### Writing Exercises


### Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.
ⓑ If most of your checks were:
…confidently. Congratulations! You have achieved your goals in this section! Reflect on the study skills you used so that you can continue to use them. What did you do to become confident of your ability to do these things? Be specific!
…with some help. This must be addressed quickly as topics you do not master become potholes in your road to success. Math is sequential - every topic builds upon previous work. It is important to make sure you have a strong foundation before you move on. Whom can you ask for help? Your fellow classmates and instructor are good resources. Is there a place on campus where math tutors are available? Can your study skills be improved?
…no - I don’t get it! This is critical and you must not ignore it. You need to get help immediately or you will quickly be overwhelmed. See your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Together you can come up with a plan to get you the help you need.