Algebraic Equations6th Grade Mathematics Class

Tracey Wilson

Goals

• Constants• Variables• Simple Algebraic Equations

Algebraic EquationsOverviewWe are about to take a journey into the wonderful world of mathematics. As we begin our adventure you should keep in mind two words: constant and variable. By the end of this lesson you will be capable of solving simple algebraic equations!

ConstantsIn mathematics, constants are numbers that stand alone or letters that stand in for a pre-determined number. Letters that are considered constants are represented by letters such as a, b or c.

Constant Constant

Constant

VariablesIn mathematics, a variable is a letter such as x, y or z that stands for an unknown number.

Variable

Variable

Food for Thought

• In algebraic expressions everything is either a constant or a variable. If it is not a constant then it is a variable!

Problem #1

In the following problem list each number and letter as either a constant or a variable.

Answer #1

Variable

Constant

Variable

Constant

Constant

The “How To”Part IWhen working an algebraic equations it is important that you remember to group all of the constants and all of the variables together. Otherwise, all the constants should be on one side while all the variables should be on the other side. To move a constant or a variable across the equal sign you must use the opposite operator on both sides of the equation.

Subtraction

x-5=15 Addition +5 +5x=15+5

Variable Constant

Constant

The “How To” Part II

4x-5=15

In the previous slide you were shown how to move constants and variables around the equations. Now, let us take it a step further by solving an entire equation. To solve, you simply follow the two rules listed previously.

The “How To” Part II

4x-5=15+5 +5

In the previous slide you were shown how to move constants and variables around the equations. Now, let us take it a step further by solving an entire equation. To solve, you simply follow the two rules listed previously.

The “How To” Part II

4x-5=15+5 +54x=20In the previous slide

you were shown how to move constants and variables around the equations. Now, let us take it a step further by solving an entire equation. To solve, you simply follow the two rules listed previously.

The “How To” Part II

4x-5=15+5 +54x=20In the previous slide

you were shown how to move constants and variables around the equations. Now, let us take it a step further by solving an entire equation. To solve, you simply follow the two rules listed previously.

The “How To” Part II

4x-5=15+5 +54x=20

X=5

In the previous slide you were shown how to move constants and variables around the equations. Now, let us take it a step further by solving an entire equation. To solve, you simply follow the two rules listed previously.

The “How To” Part II

4x-5=15+5 +54x=20

X=5

Note: Once solved, the variable is on one side and the constant is on the other.

In the previous slide you were shown how to move constants and variables around the equations. Now, let us take it a step further by solving an entire equation. To solve, you simply follow the two rules listed previously.

Food for Thought

No matter how difficult the problem may seem you must always remember to 1) move all constants to one side and all variables to the other side of the equation and 2) use the opposite operator to move a constant or variable across the equal sign.

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

-2 -2

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

-2 -2

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

-2 -2

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

-2 -2

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

-2 -2

Example #1In the following problem solve for y.

-2 -2

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

-3 -3

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

-3 -3

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

-3 -3

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

-3 -3

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

-3 -3

Example #2In the following problem solve for x.

-3 -3

Problem #2In the following problem solve for y.

2 𝑦+8=9

Answer #2

-8 -8