AlgebraAlgebra Explained |
What is a solution? |
When an equation has a variable, the number that replaces the unknown and makes the equation true is called a solution. For example, for the equation (5 × y) + 2 = 12, y would be 2, or “2” is the solution that makes the equation true. Working it out would be: (5 × 2) + 2 = 12; 10 + 2 = 12; and finally, 12 = 12. Remember, when finding a solution for an equation, one must follow any parentheses, exponents, multiplications, divisions, additions, and subtractions in the correct order of operation.