Question

What does it mean for a number to be the "solution" to an equation?



Give an example of a variable equation and its solution.
Explain in complete sentences how you know that number is the solution.

Answer 1

it means it's the answer to the equation

Answer 2

2x=4

The solution is 2.
The solution is 2 because when dividing both sides by 2, x=2.

Answer 3

It's the value that makes the equation true.

5 = x + 2

4 would not make this equation true (5 =/= 4+2). But 3 would make this equation true (5=3+2). So, 3 is the solution (or answer) to the equation, when finding x.

However, you need to be careful. A solution can be more than just finding a value for x. As you take more math course, finding x will help you find a solution to more complex problems, but that will just be a step to finding the answer. So, make sure you read the questions carefully to understand what you're trying to answer.

I hope that helps.