Not following the order of operations

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 66 views

Introduction

Linear equations are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and solving them is a crucial skill for students to master. In this article, we will focus on solving a specific type of linear equation, which is a simple equation with one variable. We will use the given equation as an example and walk through the steps to solve it.

The Given Equation

The given equation is:

${ y + 3 = -y + 9 }$

This equation is a linear equation with one variable, y. Our goal is to isolate y and find its value.

Step 1: Add y to Both Sides

To start solving the equation, we need to get all the terms with y on one side of the equation. We can do this by adding y to both sides of the equation.

${ y + 3 + y = -y + 9 + y }$

This simplifies to:

${ 2y + 3 = 9 }$

Step 2: Subtract 3 from Both Sides

Next, we need to get rid of the constant term on the left side of the equation. We can do this by subtracting 3 from both sides of the equation.

${ 2y + 3 - 3 = 9 - 3 }$

This simplifies to:

${ 2y = 6 }$

Step 3: Divide Both Sides by 2

Finally, we need to isolate y by dividing both sides of the equation by 2.

${ \frac{2y}{2} = \frac{6}{2} }$

This simplifies to:

${ y = 3 }$

Conclusion

In this article, we solved a simple linear equation using the given equation as an example. We walked through the steps to isolate y and found its value. The final answer is:

${ y = 3 }$

This is the correct solution to the given equation.

Why is this the Correct Solution?

To verify that our solution is correct, we can plug it back into the original equation.

${ y + 3 = -y + 9 }$

Substituting y = 3 into the equation, we get:

${ 3 + 3 = -3 + 9 }$

This simplifies to:

${ 6 = 6 }$

Since the equation is true, we can conclude that our solution is correct.

What is the Importance of Solving Linear Equations?

Solving linear equations is an essential skill in mathematics, and it has many real-world applications. Some of the importance of solving linear equations include:

Problem-solving: Solving linear equations helps us to solve problems in various fields, such as science, engineering, economics, and finance.
Critical thinking: Solving linear equations requires critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for making informed decisions.
Mathematical modeling: Solving linear equations helps us to model real-world situations and make predictions about future outcomes.
Communication: Solving linear equations requires effective communication of mathematical concepts and ideas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When solving linear equations, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Some of these mistakes include:

Not following the order of operations: Failing to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) can lead to incorrect solutions.
Not isolating the variable: Failing to isolate the variable can make it difficult to solve the equation.
Not checking the solution: Failing to check the solution can lead to incorrect answers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving linear equations is an essential skill in mathematics, and it has many real-world applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can solve linear equations and find their values. Remember to avoid common mistakes and always check your solution to ensure that it is correct.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

${ y = 3 }$

This is the correct solution to the given equation.

Additional Resources

For more information on solving linear equations, check out the following resources:

Mathway: A math problem solver that can help you solve linear equations.
Khan Academy: A free online resource that provides video lessons and practice exercises on solving linear equations.
Math Open Reference: A free online reference book that provides detailed explanations and examples of solving linear equations.

References

Algebra: A comprehensive textbook on algebra that covers solving linear equations.
Mathematics for Dummies: A beginner's guide to mathematics that covers solving linear equations.
Linear Algebra and Its Applications: A textbook on linear algebra that covers solving linear equations.

FAQs

What is a linear equation? A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1.
How do I solve a linear equation? To solve a linear equation, follow the steps outlined in this article.
What is the importance of solving linear equations? Solving linear equations is essential for problem-solving, critical thinking, mathematical modeling, and communication.

Glossary

Linear equation: An equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1.
Variable: A letter or symbol that represents a value that can change.
Constant: A value that does not change.
Coefficient: A number that is multiplied by a variable.
Order of operations: A set of rules that dictate the order in which mathematical operations should be performed.