{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T14:07:57+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T14:07:57+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:04:01+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Math","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33720"},"slug":"math","categoryId":33720},{"name":"Pre-Algebra","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33726"},"slug":"pre-algebra","categoryId":33726}],"title":"Solving an Algebraic Equation","strippedTitle":"solving an algebraic equation","slug":"solving-an-algebraic-equation","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"An algebraic equation is an equation with at least one variable. Apply operations equally to both sides to modify an equation. For example, you can add 2 to bot","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>An algebraic equation is an equation with at least one variable. Apply operations equally to both sides to modify an equation. For example, you can add 2 to both sides, subtract <i>x</i> from both sides or multiply both sides by 2. To solve an algebraic equation, apply operations that isolate <i>x</i> on one side of the equation and put a number on the other side. Here are the standard steps for a problem such as 10<i>x</i> – 6 = 7<i>x</i> + 9:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Add or subtract to move all the constants to one side of the equation.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you add 6 to both sides, the –6 cancels out on the left: 10<i>x</i> = 7<i>x</i> + 15.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Add or subtract to move all the variables to the other side.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you subtract 7<i>x</i> from both sides, the 7<i>x</i> cancels out on the right: 3<i>x</i> = 15.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Divide both sides by the coefficient (the number next to the variable) to isolate <i>x</i>.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Dividing both sides by 3 gives you the answer <i>x</i> = 5.</p>\n </li>\n</ol>","description":"<p>An algebraic equation is an equation with at least one variable. Apply operations equally to both sides to modify an equation. For example, you can add 2 to both sides, subtract <i>x</i> from both sides or multiply both sides by 2. To solve an algebraic equation, apply operations that isolate <i>x</i> on one side of the equation and put a number on the other side. Here are the standard steps for a problem such as 10<i>x</i> – 6 = 7<i>x</i> + 9:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Add or subtract to move all the constants to one side of the equation.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you add 6 to both sides, the –6 cancels out on the left: 10<i>x</i> = 7<i>x</i> + 15.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Add or subtract to move all the variables to the other side.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you subtract 7<i>x</i> from both sides, the 7<i>x</i> cancels out on the right: 3<i>x</i> = 15.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Divide both sides by the coefficient (the number next to the variable) to isolate <i>x</i>.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Dividing both sides by 3 gives you the answer <i>x</i> = 5.</p>\n </li>\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9399,"name":"Mark Zegarelli","slug":"mark-zegarelli","description":" <b>Mark Zegarelli</b> is a professional writer with degrees in both English and Math from Rutgers University. 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Solving an Algebraic Equation

By: Mark Zegarelli and

Updated: 03-26-2016

Basic Math & Pre-Algebra All-in-One For Dummies (+ Chapter Quizzes Online)

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An algebraic equation is an equation with at least one variable. Apply operations equally to both sides to modify an equation. For example, you can add 2 to both sides, subtract x from both sides or multiply both sides by 2. To solve an algebraic equation, apply operations that isolate x on one side of the equation and put a number on the other side. Here are the standard steps for a problem such as 10x – 6 = 7x + 9:

Add or subtract to move all the constants to one side of the equation.

If you add 6 to both sides, the –6 cancels out on the left: 10x = 7x + 15.
Add or subtract to move all the variables to the other side.

If you subtract 7x from both sides, the 7x cancels out on the right: 3x = 15.
Divide both sides by the coefficient (the number next to the variable) to isolate x.

Dividing both sides by 3 gives you the answer x = 5.

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Solving an Algebraic Equation

Basic Math & Pre-Algebra All-in-One For Dummies (+ Chapter Quizzes Online)

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