Understanding the Subtraction Property of Equality

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 20 views

Understanding the Subtraction Property of Equality

In algebra, the subtraction property of equality states that if two expressions are equal, then subtracting the same value from both expressions will result in a new equation with the same equality. This property is essential in solving equations and isolating the variable term. In this article, we will explore how to isolate the variable term in the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ using the subtraction property of equality.

The Equation $6 - 2x = -3$

The given equation is $6 - 2x = -3$ . Our goal is to isolate the variable term, which is $-2x$ . To do this, we need to get rid of the constant term, $6$ , on the left-hand side of the equation.

Subtracting the Same Value from Both Sides

To isolate the variable term, we need to subtract the same value from both sides of the equation. In this case, we need to subtract $6$ from both sides of the equation. This will result in a new equation with the same equality.

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is C. $3$ . We need to subtract $6$ from both sides of the equation, which is equivalent to subtracting $-3$ from both sides of the equation. This will result in a new equation with the same equality.

Step-by-Step Solution

Here are the step-by-step solutions to isolate the variable term in the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ :

Subtract $6$ from both sides of the equation: $6 - 2x - 6 = -3 - 6$
Simplify the equation: $-2x = -9$
Divide both sides of the equation by $-2$ : $\frac{-2x}{-2} = \frac{-9}{-2}$
Simplify the equation: $x = \frac{9}{2}$

Conclusion

In conclusion, to isolate the variable term in the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ using the subtraction property of equality, we need to subtract $6$ from both sides of the equation. This will result in a new equation with the same equality. The correct answer is C. $3$ .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the subtraction property of equality?

A: The subtraction property of equality states that if two expressions are equal, then subtracting the same value from both expressions will result in a new equation with the same equality.

Q: How do I isolate the variable term in an equation?

A: To isolate the variable term in an equation, you need to get rid of the constant term on the left-hand side of the equation. This can be done by subtracting the same value from both sides of the equation.

Q: What is the correct answer to isolate the variable term in the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ ?

A: The correct answer is C. $3$ . We need to subtract $6$ from both sides of the equation, which is equivalent to subtracting $-3$ from both sides of the equation.

Q: How do I simplify the equation after isolating the variable term?

A: After isolating the variable term, you can simplify the equation by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable term.

References

Solving Linear Equations
Graphing Linear Equations
Systems of Linear Equations
Frequently Asked Questions: Isolating the Variable Term =====================================================

Q: What is the subtraction property of equality?

A: The subtraction property of equality states that if two expressions are equal, then subtracting the same value from both expressions will result in a new equation with the same equality.

Q: How do I isolate the variable term in an equation?

Q: What is the correct answer to isolate the variable term in the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ ?

A: The correct answer is C. $3$ . We need to subtract $6$ from both sides of the equation, which is equivalent to subtracting $-3$ from both sides of the equation.

Q: How do I simplify the equation after isolating the variable term?

A: After isolating the variable term, you can simplify the equation by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable term.

Q: What is the coefficient of the variable term?

A: The coefficient of the variable term is the number that is multiplied by the variable. In the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ , the coefficient of the variable term is $-2$ .

Q: How do I divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable term?

A: To divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable term, you need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: Evaluate any expressions inside parentheses.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Q: What is the final answer to the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ ?

A: The final answer to the equation $6 - 2x = -3$ is $x = \frac{9}{2}$ .

Q: How do I check my answer?

A: To check your answer, you can plug the value of the variable back into the original equation and see if it is true.

Q: What is the importance of isolating the variable term?

A: Isolating the variable term is an essential step in solving equations and inequalities. It allows you to find the value of the variable and understand the relationship between the variables in the equation.

Q: Can I isolate the variable term in an equation with multiple variables?

A: Yes, you can isolate the variable term in an equation with multiple variables. However, you need to follow the order of operations and use the correct algebraic properties to isolate the variable term.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when isolating the variable term?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when isolating the variable term include:

Not following the order of operations: Make sure to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) when simplifying the equation.
Not using the correct algebraic properties: Use the correct algebraic properties, such as the addition property of equality and the subtraction property of equality, to isolate the variable term.
Not checking your answer: Make sure to check your answer by plugging the value of the variable back into the original equation.

Q: How do I practice isolating the variable term?

A: You can practice isolating the variable term by working through examples and exercises in your algebra textbook or online resources. You can also try solving equations and inequalities on your own and checking your answers to ensure that you are isolating the variable term correctly.