What is an equation?

short answers for big questions

In an equation it is required to always have an equality between two members as well as one or more members (the unknown factors), whose value is not known. For instance: “what is the number that multiplied by itself equals 16?” This mathematical problem can be translated into mathematical language by using the following equation: `x^2 = 16`. In this case the number we want to find is represented by the letter `x` which is the unknown factor. When you solve an equation, we want to find all the numbers which are the solution to the equation. It means we want to find all the numbers that make possible that equality. According to our example, this equation will have two solutions: `4` and `-4`.

Think of an equation

Is it easy to solve an equation?

In general it depends on the complexity of equation. Compared to many things in our lives, to solve an equation may seem complicated at the beginning, but it will become simpler and simpler as we practice. Lots of people often consider the practice as being a boring task because theoretically they are not solving any problem. Actually what they are doing is solving a long list of questions, which were given to them by the teacher and it can simply be found in their books. But let’s think about a football player. Lots of his tasks during his training are also repetitive. However, those same tasks are necessary for the player to get physical strength and dexterity so as he is prepared when the real game happens. In mathematics something similar comes up. When you solve a series of equations it helps you to train your mind and you are preparing it to answer more difficult questions. Have a look at the following page, just in case you want to know more about how to solve first degree equations.



escrever carta

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