- 1). Write down the equation that needs to be solved. For example, the equation may be x = 3z + 2.
- 2). Rearrange the equation to solve for the other variable. Make sure that what is done to one side of the equals sign is done to the other side. In the example, x = 3z + 2, subtract 2 from both sides so it becomes x - 2 = 3z + 2 - 2, or x - 2 = 3z. Next, divide both sides by 3:
(x - 2) / 3 = z
The equation now expresses "z" in terms of "x." - 3). Write numbers in place of the variables. To completely solve the equation and obtain an answer, the variables have to be replaced with numbers. In an exam question, the values of the variables will be given. For example, suppose x = 4:
z = (x - 2) /3 = (4 - 2 ) / 3 = 2/3
So when x = 4, z = 2/3.
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