How do you solve for x in the following equation?

ax + 2 = 5

In this lesson you will learn how to solve equations where some of the coefficients are

represented by letters by using additive and multiplicative

inverses.

Let’s Review

3x + 2 = 8

variable

-2 -2

3x = 6

x = 2

13

13

x x

constants

Core Lesson

y = mx + b

variables

parameters

Core Lesson

ax + 3 = 7

variable

parameter

constants

-3 -3

ax = 4

+ 3 = 7 a x

1a

1a

x x

x = 4a

A Common Mistake

Mistaking your variables for your constants. Make sure you know which

letters represent variables.

In this lesson you have learned how to solve equations that have parameters by using additive and multiplicative

inverses.

Guided Practice

Solve the following equation for x:

3x + b = 4

Extension Activities

Solve the following equations for x by using inverse operations. What does your answer mean? Why did you get that answer? What situations will provide an answer like that? a(2x + 4) = 2a(x + 2)  3(2ax + 1) = 6(ax + 4)

Quick Quiz

Solve the following equation for x:

4 - ax = 12

Solve the following equation for x:

3x + 8 = b