How do you isolate the variable? - Answers

Additionx-3=4to isolate the variable in this case, you would add three to the left and right.x=7Subtraction4+x=6to isolate the variable here, you must subtract four from the left and right.x=2Multiplicationx/2=3to isolate "x" you must multiply 2 to each side. When you multiply the 2 to the denominator, you are eliminating the number, it will not equal 4.x=6Division3x=6in order to get the variable by itself, you must divide each side by 3.x=2NOTESWhen adding/subtracting, variables will always go with variables, and numbers will go with numbers. multiplying or dividing should always go after adding or subtracting.Last Example4x+3=x-4First you would subtract 3 from the 3 on the left and the -4 on the right.4x=x-7next, you must subtract x from the x on the right and from the 4x on the left.3x=-7finally, you will divide by 3 on each side.x=-7/3the -7/3 in mixed form is -2 1/3.