If , what value of satisfies the equation?
A linear equation with one unknown asks for the value that makes both sides equal. Undo addition on both sides to expose the term containing the unknown, then use a Desmos regression to find its value. The key trap is stopping when you’ve found a value for the whole term rather than for the unknown itself.
Hints
- Hint 1
The is added to the part containing . Subtract from both sides so they stay equal. What’s left on the side with ?
- Hint 2
A coefficient is the number multiplying a variable. Here, means times , so the value of is not yet the value of .
Step-by-step
Subtract, then solve in Desmos
Step 1Remove the added 9
The is added to , so subtract from both sides to keep them equal:
You’ve found the value of , not yet the value of .
- Step 2
Find the value of x
Type the original equation as in Desmos. Use for the unknown and to tell Desmos to find a value that makes the sides equal. Under PARAMETERS, it shows . So the value of that satisfies the equation is . Grid in 4.