The Importance of Getting the Variable Together

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

Understanding the Problem

When solving an equation that has the variable on both sides of the equal sign, it's essential to follow a specific step to ensure that we arrive at the correct solution. In this article, we'll explore the importance of getting the variable together on one side of the equal sign and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

The Given Equation

Let's consider the equation $3x + 4 = 2x - 5$ . This equation has the variable $x$ on both sides of the equal sign, making it a classic example of an equation that requires careful manipulation to solve.

The Importance of Getting the Variable Together

Getting the variable together on one side of the equal sign is an important step when solving an equation with variables on both sides. This step is crucial because it allows us to isolate the variable and solve for its value. When the variable is on both sides of the equal sign, it's challenging to determine its value, as the equation is in a state of imbalance.

Why Is It Important to Get the Variable Together?

There are several reasons why getting the variable together on one side of the equal sign is essential:

Isolating the variable: By getting the variable together on one side of the equal sign, we can isolate it and solve for its value.
Balancing the equation: When the variable is on both sides of the equal sign, the equation is in a state of imbalance. By getting the variable together, we can balance the equation and ensure that it's correct.
Simplifying the equation: Getting the variable together can simplify the equation and make it easier to solve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Variable Together

Now that we've discussed the importance of getting the variable together, let's go through a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Subtract the Variable from Both Sides

To get the variable together, we need to subtract it from both sides of the equation. In the given equation $3x + 4 = 2x - 5$ , we can subtract $2x$ from both sides to get:

3x - 2x + 4 = 2x - 2x - 5

This simplifies to:

x + 4 = -5

Step 2: Subtract the Constant from Both Sides

Next, we need to subtract the constant from both sides of the equation. In the equation $x + 4 = -5$ , we can subtract 4 from both sides to get:

x + 4 - 4 = -5 - 4

This simplifies to:

x = -9

Step 3: Check the Solution

Finally, we need to check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation. In this case, we can plug $x = -9$ back into the equation $3x + 4 = 2x - 5$ to get:

3(-9) + 4 = 2(-9) - 5

This simplifies to:

-27 + 4 = -18 - 5

Which further simplifies to:

-23 = -23

Since the solution checks out, we can be confident that our solution is correct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting the variable together on one side of the equal sign is an important step when solving an equation with variables on both sides. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can ensure that you arrive at the correct solution. Remember to isolate the variable, balance the equation, and simplify the equation to get the variable together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it important to get the variable together?

A: Getting the variable together is essential because it allows us to isolate the variable and solve for its value. When the variable is on both sides of the equal sign, the equation is in a state of imbalance.

Q: How do I get the variable together?

A: To get the variable together, you need to subtract the variable from both sides of the equation and then subtract the constant from both sides.

Q: Why do I need to check the solution?

A: You need to check the solution to ensure that it's correct. By plugging the solution back into the original equation, you can verify that it's accurate.

Additional Resources

If you're struggling to get the variable together or need additional help with solving equations, here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

Math textbooks: Check out math textbooks for additional practice and guidance.
Online resources: Websites like Khan Academy, Mathway, and Wolfram Alpha offer interactive lessons and practice problems to help you improve your math skills.
Math tutors: Consider hiring a math tutor to provide one-on-one guidance and support.

Q: What is the first step in solving an equation with variables on both sides?

A: The first step in solving an equation with variables on both sides is to get the variable together on one side of the equal sign. This can be done by subtracting the variable from both sides of the equation.

Q: How do I get the variable together on one side of the equal sign?

A: To get the variable together on one side of the equal sign, you need to subtract the variable from both sides of the equation. For example, if you have the equation $3x + 4 = 2x - 5$ , you can subtract $2x$ from both sides to get:

3x - 2x + 4 = 2x - 2x - 5

This simplifies to:

x + 4 = -5

Q: What is the next step after getting the variable together?

A: After getting the variable together, the next step is to isolate the variable by subtracting the constant from both sides of the equation. For example, if you have the equation $x + 4 = -5$ , you can subtract 4 from both sides to get:

x + 4 - 4 = -5 - 4

This simplifies to:

x = -9

Q: How do I check the solution to an equation with variables on both sides?

A: To check the solution to an equation with variables on both sides, you need to plug the solution back into the original equation. For example, if you have the equation $3x + 4 = 2x - 5$ and you find that $x = -9$ is the solution, you can plug $x = -9$ back into the equation to get:

3(-9) + 4 = 2(-9) - 5

This simplifies to:

-27 + 4 = -18 - 5

Which further simplifies to:

-23 = -23

Since the solution checks out, you can be confident that your solution is correct.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving equations with variables on both sides?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving equations with variables on both sides include:

Not getting the variable together: Failing to get the variable together on one side of the equal sign can make it difficult to solve the equation.
Not isolating the variable: Failing to isolate the variable by subtracting the constant from both sides of the equation can make it difficult to solve the equation.
Not checking the solution: Failing to check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation can lead to incorrect solutions.

Q: How can I practice solving equations with variables on both sides?

A: You can practice solving equations with variables on both sides by:

Using online resources: Websites like Khan Academy, Mathway, and Wolfram Alpha offer interactive lessons and practice problems to help you improve your math skills.
Working with a tutor: Consider hiring a math tutor to provide one-on-one guidance and support.
Practicing with worksheets: You can find worksheets online or in math textbooks that provide practice problems for solving equations with variables on both sides.

Q: What are some real-world applications of solving equations with variables on both sides?

A: Solving equations with variables on both sides has many real-world applications, including:

Science and engineering: Solving equations with variables on both sides is essential in science and engineering, where it's used to model and solve complex problems.
Finance: Solving equations with variables on both sides is used in finance to calculate interest rates, investment returns, and other financial metrics.
Computer programming: Solving equations with variables on both sides is used in computer programming to solve complex problems and optimize algorithms.

By following the steps outlined in this article and practicing regularly, you can become proficient in solving equations with variables on both sides. Remember to isolate the variable, balance the equation, and simplify the equation to get the variable together.