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3 Algebra Multiplication

The document provides an introduction to solving basic algebra equations using multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. It explains that letters are used to represent unknown values and numbers are written next to letters rather than using the multiplication symbol. Step-by-step examples are provided to show how to isolate the variable by performing the inverse operation on both sides of the equation. The key principle emphasized is to perform the same operation to both sides of the equal sign to maintain the balance.

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206 views

3 Algebra Multiplication

The document provides an introduction to solving basic algebra equations using multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. It explains that letters are used to represent unknown values and numbers are written next to letters rather than using the multiplication symbol. Step-by-step examples are provided to show how to isolate the variable by performing the inverse operation on both sides of the equation. The key principle emphasized is to perform the same operation to both sides of the equal sign to maintain the balance.

Uploaded by

api-299265916
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Algebra - Multiplication

A Puzzle
What is the missing number?

4 = 8
The answer is 2, right? Because 2 4 = 8.
Well, in Algebra we don't use blank boxes, we use a letter. So we might write:

x 4 = 8
But the "x" looks like the "" ... that can be very confusing ... so in Algebra we don't use
the multiply symbol () between numbers and letters:

We put the number next to the letter to mean multiply:

4x =

In English we say "four x equals eight", meaning that 4 x's make 8.

And the answer is written:

How to Solve
Instead of saying "obviously x=2", use this neat step-by-step approach:

Work out what to remove to get "x = ..."

Remove it by doing the opposite

Do that to both sides

And what is the opposite of multiplying? Dividing!


Have a look at this example:
We want to
remove the "4"

To remove it, do
Do it to both sides:
the opposite, in
this case divide by 4:

Why did we divide by 4 on both sides?


Because of the need for balance ...

In Balance
Divide Left by 4

Which is ...

Solved!

Out of Balance!
Divide Right by 4 Also

In Balance Again

Just remember ...


To keep the balance, what we do to one side of the "="
we should also do to the other side!

Another Puzzle
Solve this one:

Start with:

x/3 = 5

What we are aiming for is an answer like "x = ...", and the divide by 3 is in the way of that!
If we multiply by 3 we can cancel out the divide by 3 (because 3/3=1)

x/3 3 = 5 3

So, let us have a go at multiplying by 3 on both sides:

A little arithmetic (3/3 = 1 and 53 = 15) becomes:

1x = 15

Which is just:

x = 15
Solved!

(Quick Check: 15/3 = 5)

More Complicated Example


How do we solve this?

x / 3

It might look hard, but not if we solve it in stages.


First let us get rid of the "+2":

Start with:

To remove the plus 2 use minus 2 (because 2-2=0)

A little arithmetic (2-2 = 0 and 5-2 = 3) becomes:

Which is just:
Now, get rid of the "/3":

x/3 + 2 = 5

x/3 + 2 -2 = 5 -2

x/3 + 0 = 3

x/3 = 3

x/3 = 3

Start with:

If we multiply by 3 we can cancel out the divide by 3:

x/3 3 = 3 3

A little arithmetic (3/3 = 1 and 33 = 9) becomes:

1x = 9

Which is just:

x=9
Solved!

(Quick Check: 9/3 + 2 = 3+2 = 5)

When you get more experienced:


When you get more experienced, you can solve it like this:

Start with:
Subtract 2 from both sides:

Simplify:
Multiply by 3 on both sides:

Simplify:

x/3 + 2 = 5

x/3 + 2 -2 = 5 -2

x/3 = 3

x/3 3 = 3 3

x=9

Or even like this:


Start with:

x/3 + 2 = 5

Subtract 2:

x/3 = 3

Multiply by 3:

x=9

Real World Example


Example: Sam bought 3 boxes of chocolates online.
Postage was $9 and the total cost was $45.
How much was each box?

Let's use x for the price of each box.


3 times x plus $9 is $45:

3x + 9 = 45
Let's solve!
Start with:
Subtract 9 from both sides:
Simplify:
Divide by 3:
Simplify:
So each box was $12

3x + 9 = 45
3x + 9 9 = 45 9
3x = 36
3x /3 = 36 /3
x = 12

Advanced: we can also do the "divide by 3" first (but we must do it to all terms):

Start with:
Divide by 3:
Simplify:
Subtract 3 from both sides:
Simplify:

3x + 9 = 45
3x/3 + 9/3 = 45/3
x + 3 = 15
x + 3 3 = 15 3
x = 12

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