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Section 2.3 Deliberate Practice: Solving Equations for a Variable Expression

Algebra is a skill, which means it requires practice to become proficient. But it will take more than rote repetition to get there. Deliberate practice is the thoughtful repetition of a task. For each of these sections, you will be given a list of specific skills or ideas to focus on as you practice thinking through the problems.

Focus on these skills:

  • Write the original equation.

  • Line up your equal signs.

  • Correctly state the algebraic steps using the correct phrasing:

    • Add (expression) to both sides.

    • Subtract (expression) from both sides.

    • Multiply both sides by (expression).

    • Divide both sides by (expression).

  • Execute the algebra and arithmetic correctly.

  • Present your work legibly.

Worksheet Worksheet

Instructions: Solve the equations for the variable expression using a complete presentation.

1.

Solve \(6x^2 + 23 = 41\) for the expression \(x^2\text{.}\)

2.

Solve \(2y^3 + 14 = -20\) for the expression \(y^3\text{.}\)

3.

Solve \(5(t - 5) - 7 = 7\) for the expression \((t-5)\text{.}\)

4.

Solve \(6(r + 8) - 18 = 53\) for the expression \((r+8)\text{.}\)

5.

Solve \(3(b^2 + 4) - 25 = -38\) for the expression \((b^2 + 4)\text{.}\)

6.

Solve \(2x^2 + 4y^2 + 3z^2 + 5 = 11\) for the expression \(x^2\text{.}\)

7.

Solve \(2x^2 + 4y^2 + 3z^2 + 5 = 11\) for the expression \(y^2\text{.}\)

8.

Solve \(2x^2 + 4y^2 + 3z^2 + 5 = 11\) for the expression \(z^2\text{.}\)

9.

Solve \(4\ln(x) + 7 = 22\) for the expression \(\ln(x)\text{.}\)

10.

Solve \(3 \sin(2x) + 8 = 14\) for the expression \(\sin(2x)\text{.}\)