Solve

Pronunciation: /sɒlv/ Explain

To solve a problem is to find the answer to the problem. To solve an equation is to find the values of the variable(s) in the equation.

Example 1: Solve for x

2x + 3 = 7	Problem to solve
2x = 4	Subtract 3 from both sides
x = 2	Divide both sides by 2

Example 2: Solve for y

4x = 2y + 6	Problem to solve.
4x - 6 = 2y	Subtract 6 from both sides.
2x - 3 = y	Divide both sides by 2.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, solve. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 168. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Solve. 5/7/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. https://www.allmathwords.org/en/s/solve.html.

Revision History

5/7/2019: Changed equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
12/10/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
9/15/2008: Added 'More Information', expanded first paragraph to include solving an equation. (McAdams, David E.)
8/8/2007: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)