Bubble Math Explanation & Examples – α: Solving for X (Beginner)

Introduction

𝑥 is an unknown or unsolved value that we will need to find a value for it by using many techniques, including, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This article will focus on these ways before advancing to complex ones.

To solve for 𝑥, isolate it on one side without anything affecting it and its value on the other side by using addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.

We always unknowingly solve for 𝑥 to find the value of something, such as price, weight, or height, in everyday situations. For example, if I am going to build a wooden shed, I need to calculate the dimensions of the wooden planks and their total dimensions. In this case, if I need to find a piece of plank to fill in the gap, I need to find 𝑥, the length of the plank.

Now, let’s go through some examples.

Example 1:

\[ x-3=1\] \[ x-3+3=1+3\] \[ ∴ x-=4\]

Example 2:

\[4x+3=-25\] \[4x+3-3=-25-3\] \[4x=-28\] \[{4x \over 4} = {-28 \over 4}\] \[∴ x=-7\]

Example 3:

\[{1 \over 2}x – 22 = -24\] \[{1 \over 2}x – 22 + 22 = -24 + 22\] \[{1 \over 2}x = -2\] \[{1 \over 2}* \ 2 = -2*2\] \[∴ x = -4\]

Example 4:

Bob’s father has twice the age of his son and four years older than him, and Bob’s father will be 68. How old is Bob after four years?

\[2x+4=68\] \[2x+4-4=68-4\] \[2x=64\] \[{2x \over 2}={64 \over 2}\] \[∴ x=32\]

All these four examples will be used very often, and you will get used to them. To solve for 𝑥, isolate 𝑥 on one side without anything affecting it and its value on the other side by using addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.