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Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert
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Algebra, Equations, and Inequalities
Summary
The essence of basic equation solving in algebra involves isolating the variable by undoing the order of operations, a process that requires both mathematical legality and strategic thinking.
  • Introduction to basic equation solving emphasizes the transition from manipulating algebraic expressions to isolating variables to find their unknown values.
  • The fundamental principle in equation solving is performing the same mathematical operation on both sides of the equation to maintain equality.
  • Strategic steps in solving equations involve reversing the order of operations applied to the variable, starting with addition or subtraction before multiplication or division.
  • When variables appear on both sides of the equation, the initial strategy involves moving all terms involving the variable to one side and constants to the other.
  • The content focuses on linear equations, where the highest power of x is 1, highlighting the difference in rules when dealing with non-linear equations.
Chapters
00:11
Introduction to Basic Equation Solving
00:56
Fundamental Principles and Strategies
01:41
Solving Linear Equations with Variables on One Side
04:36
Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides
05:36
Conclusion and Practice Problems