The same to the other side, and the result is still an equation - that means both sides would still be equal. The equation are the same, whatever we do on one side (arithmetically), if we do Principle of equations that we need to grasp. So, an algebra equation would be given as: 5 + k =Ģ × 4 without any of the earlier exercises and you would be asked toīefore we go about solving for the variable k, there’s just one simple Know from earlier our earlier exercises that k = 3,īut hey, where’s the fun if algebra is just like that? Variable k - that means to find the value of ‘k’ in the equation. Now we have a real basic algebra equation, and the goal is to solve for the Variables are usually represented by letters of the alphabet,Īnd the letters x, y, and z are most commonly used. That’s the idea for variables in algebra.Īre defined as numbers that can change value or represent a missing value (an Without any of the earlier discussions, then k would be unknown until you solve the arithmetic. You may think of it this way - if you were just given the equation Is - there are just some terms where the meaning is not as straightforward. Know that it is 3, so why is it called a variable? Well, that’s the way algebra In the equation above, the letter ‘k’ is known as a variable. Substitute the box with the letter ‘k’ and we have: If you are asked to fill in the box, you can do the simple arithmetic and Introducing simple arithmetic operations that you already know:Įasy to follow so far? OK, the next step is something you may done in Simple enough? Now we change the equation a little by The first thing to grasp is that when we have an equation, both sides have exactly the same value. Would give you a good foundation before this lesson. You may want to first go through Basic Algebra - An Introduction, which
In case you are rather uncomfortable with algebra,