Solving for an Unknown

Often we wish to solve for one (or more) symbols, and we treat it as an
unknown. For example, in the equation 2x + 7 = 15, x is the unknown; this
equation is true, however, only when x = 4. Determining what value (or
values) the unknown can have to satisfy the equation is called solving the
equation. To solve an equation, the following rule can be used:
An equation will remain true if any operation performed on one side is also
performed on the other side. For example: (a) addition or subtraction of a
number or symbol; (b) multiplication or division by a number or symbol;
(c) raising each side of the equation to the same power, or taking the same
root (such as square root).

EXAMPLE A;1 Solve for x in the equation

2x + 7 = 15.
APPROACH We perform the same operations on both sides of the equation
to isolate x as the only variable on the left side of the equals sign.
SOLUTION We first subtract 7 from both sides:
2x + 7 - 7 = 15 - 7
or
2x = 8.
Then we divide both sides by 2 to get
2x 8
= ,
2 2
or, carrying out the divisions,
x = 4,
and this solves the equation.

EXAMPLE A;2 (a) Solve the equation

a b + c = 24
2

for the unknown a in terms of b and c. (b) Solve for a assuming that b = 2
and c = 6.
APPROACH We perform operations to isolate a as the only variable on the
left side of the equals sign.
SOLUTION (a) We are trying to solve for a, so we first subtract c from
both sides:
a2b = 24 - c,
then divide by b:
24 - c ,
a2 =
b
and finally take square roots:
24 - c .
a =
B b
(b) If we are given that b = 2 and c = 6, then
24 - 6
a = = 3.
B 2
But this is not the only answer. Whenever we take a square root, the number
can be either positive or negative. Thus a = –3 is also a solution. Why?
Because (–3)2 = 9, just as (±3)2 = 9. So we actually get two solutions:
a = ±3 and a = –3.
NOTE When an unknown appears squared in an equation, there are generally
two solutions for that unknown.

A-4 APPENDIX A Mathematical Review