Question on Isolating Variables

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Duckfan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Variables
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around isolating variables in equations involving multiple variables and constants. Participants explore the rules for combining like terms and the process of simplification in algebraic expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about whether to cancel an individual variable or to combine it with another term as a like term when dealing with an equation that has two variables.
  • Another participant provides an example of combining terms, suggesting that an expression like ax + x can be simplified to (a + 1)x, treating a + 1 as a single constant.
  • A further participant confirms that an expression such as 3x - x simplifies to 2x, illustrating the process of combining like terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the method of combining like terms, but the initial participant's uncertainty about the process indicates that the discussion remains partially unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not provide specific equations or clarify the assumptions underlying the participants' approaches to isolating variables.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking clarification on algebraic manipulation and the rules for isolating variables in equations.

Duckfan
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
I was doing this last week and now I'm drawing blanks on an equation with 2 variables.

When you have a constant and a variable + a variable by itself, I forgot if I'm supposed to try to cancel the individual variable, or if I'm supposed to multiply/add it as a "like term".

I'm not giving equation yet (unless you really want me to) since I'm trying to solve this myself. And I'm beating up on myself too since I want to remember how to solve this. I'm just not remembering something as to what I isolate. I understand the rule on what you do on left side, you do on other. But the fact that I have 2 variables is confusing me-as to canceling the individual variable, or include it with the other term since it may be considered a like term.
Thank you.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
If you mean something like ax+ x, that is equal to (a+ 1)x and you can treat a+ 1 as a single constant.
 
HallsofIvy said:
If you mean something like ax+ x, that is equal to (a+ 1)x and you can treat a+ 1 as a single constant.

So if I had an equation or part of one eg, 3x - x, it would be 2x?
 
Yes. 3x - x = x + x + x - x = x + x = 2x.
 

Similar threads

MHB Use Variables to Create Function
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
MHB Solve for X | Math Problem | Paul's Question
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations Symbolically
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
High School Difference between functions and variables
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
High School Need an on-line calculator for a simple calculation
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Undergrad Isolating a variable gives me endless loop
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Angular Velocity Accurately Control Ragdoll Limbs in Game Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
MHB Rearranging Formula, making x the subject from y=5(x+3)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
MHB Trying to reverse structure a calculation to arrive at original variable
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
MHB Solving equation with 2 variables. (time sensitive)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K