Mathematics is undoubtedly one of the most complex subjects of all, no matter what academic level you are in right now. Therefore, if you are currently studying equations, in today's text we will explain how to solve first degree equations. So that you can successfully pass this subject.
In mathematics there are all kinds of equations, that's true. However, today we will only focus on first-degree equations. Their name comes from the fact that they are the simplest of all equations, which is why they are called first-degree equations.
Many people also know them by the name of linear equations. So if you knew them by that name, you should know that they are exactly the same as a first-degree equation.
These equations are structured in such a way that one of the values is unknown. This value is usually identified by the symbol "X" and is usually known as the variable or unknown. Therefore, our task will always be to clear the whole operation in order to find the number that represents the unknown.
Unlike more complex equations, first-degree equations are characterised by having a variable that must not be multiplied by anything since it is raised to one. This is something that will change as you progress and learn new mathematical class topics.
Now that you know more about the definition of what a first degree equation is, it is time to start with the main topic of the article. Next, we will be explaining how to solve first degree equations.
We will also give you a step-by-step explanation. So that you can better understand the whole procedure and follow it to the letter. So stay reading to learn how to solve this mathematical operation.
Regardless of which equation you have in front of you, the first thing you will need to do to clear the unknown is to group the numbers together. Take for example the following equation: 2 - x = x - 8.
In this case, by grouping the numbers together, we mean putting them all on one side of the equation and leaving the unknowns on the other. So, once you have grouped the numbers together, this equation would look like this: 2 + 8 = x + x.
Now, there is a mathematical rule that you should always apply in this type of equation. This is the rule of change of sign. Everything on one side that is subtracting, will be added to the other side. Just as everything that is adding on one side will be subtracted on the other side.
That is why, when we group numbers together, we change the original subtraction signs to addition signs. Because this is a rule that must always be followed when solving mathematical equations.
In this step, it will be time to perform the proper operation with the numbers in the equation. While, as far as the unknowns are concerned, you will have to group them together.
This means that, if our equation is 2 + 8 = x + x, we must add the numbers and group the x's together. So, then our equation should look like this: 10 = 2X.
Once you have the equation organised in this way, you must divide the number obtained by the number of X's in the equation in order to clear the unknown. That means that, with this step, our equation should look like this: 10 / 2 = x.
Therefore, this means that the result of ten divided by two will be the number that represents the unknown in our equation. Therefore, for this example, the final result would be 5 = X. That is, the value of the variable in this first degree equation is 5.
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