Chapter 1: Problem 36
Solving for a Variable Solve the equation for the indicated variable. $$a-2[b-3(c-x)]=6 ; \text { for } x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(x = \frac{a - 2b + 6c - 6}{6}\)
Step by step solution
01
Distribute Inside the Brackets
Start by distributing the factor \(-2\) into the brackets \(b - 3(c-x)\). This involves applying the distributive property: \[a - 2(b - 3(c-x)) = a - 2b + 6(c-x)\]
02
Simplify Further
Now distribute the 6 into the expression \(c-x\):\[a - 2b + 6c - 6x = 6\]
03
Isolate the Term with the Variable
Move all terms except the term with \(x\) to the other side of the equation:\[6x = a - 2b + 6c - 6\]
04
Solve for the Variable x
Finally, divide both sides by 6 to solve for the variable \(x\):\[x = \frac{a - 2b + 6c - 6}{6}\]
05
Final Solution
The solution for \(x\) is:\[x = \frac{a - 2b + 6c - 6}{6}\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Distributive Property
The distributive property is a helpful algebraic tool that allows us to break down expressions and simplify complex equations. Essentially, it involves multiplying a single term by each term inside a bracket. This is written as:
\[ a(b + c) = ab + ac \]
In the given exercise, the distributive property was used to rewrite the expression \(-2(b - 3(c-x))\):
\[ a(b + c) = ab + ac \]
In the given exercise, the distributive property was used to rewrite the expression \(-2(b - 3(c-x))\):
- We distributed \(-2\) across \(b - 3(c-x)\).
- This results in: \[a - 2b + 6(c-x)\]
- Always multiply across every term within the brackets.
- This step creates a simpler expression, setting the stage for further simplification.
The Art of Variable Isolation
Variable isolation is a critical step in solving equations where you aim to "isolate" the variable of interest on one side of the equation. This is a systematic approach that involves moving other terms to the opposite side.
Following the original solution's steps, here's how we isolated the variable \(x\):
Following the original solution's steps, here's how we isolated the variable \(x\):
- First, after applying the distributive property, we had \(a - 2b + 6c - 6x = 6\).
- To isolate \(x\), we rearranged the equation to get \(6x = a - 2b + 6c - 6\).
- Moving constants over by addition or subtraction.
- Dividing or multiplying both sides by numbers to simplify.
Solving Linear Equations
Linear equations are mathematical statements that present a straight line when graphed. These equations have no variables raised to a power higher than one, making them straightforward to solve.
The standard form of a linear equation is:
The standard form of a linear equation is:
- \(ax + b = c\)
- \(a - 2[b-3(c-x)] = 6\)
- First, eliminate parentheses using the distributive property.
- Combine like terms and simplify the equation.
- Isolate the variable by balancing the equation.