Algebra Review
The key to solving simple algebraic equations containing a single unknown (e.g. x + 6 = 10) is to realize that the equation is an equality.As long as you do the same mathematical operation (e.g. add a constant, subtract a constant, multiply by a constant, and divide by a constant) to both sides of the equation, the equality is still an equality. This includes squaring both sides of the equation or taking the square root of both sides of the equation.
Fundamental Laws:
- Distributive Law: 3(x + 2) = 3x + (3)(2) = 3x + 6
- Associative Law: 4x – 7x = x(4 – 7) = -3x
QUIZ: Solve for x.
Question 1 | Question 2 | Question 3 | Question 4 |
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Answers: (1) +2 (2) +2 (3) -9.25 (4) +1.90
This page adapted from a math review for chemistry students at Texas A&M University