You have learned that equations are mathematical statements where two expressions are set equal to each other. When an equation contains a variable, you can generally solve it using inverse operations. So far you have practiced solving these equations in groups. For example, you solved a group of equations that all needed either addition or subtraction. But equations in classrooms and in everyday life are often not categorized this way. Instead you need to use what you know about equations to figure out how to solve. Watch the video below to see how this applies in your world.
Let's Watch
Willem has been learning to solve equations in his math class.
His math book is filled with equations, and Willem is starting to notice how his world is also full of equations.
Willem sees equations when he goes to the grocery store with his mom.
He also sees them when he is at the movie theater with his friends and when he is at baseball practice.
Willem even sees equations in his favorite video games!
All of these equations have different operations.
This means that Willem needs to pay close attention to the operational sign in each equation so he can use the right inverse operation to solve it.
In this lesson you and Willem will be solving equations that have a mix of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division signs.
Question
What operation is with the variable in the equation \( a + 8 = 15 \)? What is its inverse operation?
The operation is addition. The inverse operation is subtraction.
