3t = 18 is an equation. It is a mathematical sentence. It means that what is on the left side of = is equal to what is on the right and that t (an unknown number) is multiplied by 3. To determine what t equals we use an elementary school procedure.
4(5) = 20 To prove this is the correct answer we divide 20 ÷ 4 = 5 or 20 ÷ 5 = 4 Any time you multiply 2 numbers together the answer divided by one of the numbers must produce the other number. If not then you have multiplied incorrectly.
In our equation 3t = 18 3 and t are numbers that are being multiplied together. Therefore t = 18 ÷ 3 Hence t = 6 So try this example 45632r = 593216 answer
Another elementary school procedure involves addition and subtraction. 7 + 4 = 11 To prove the answer is correct we subtract one of the numbers from 11.
7 = 11 - 4 or 4 = 11 - 7 If 11 - 4 = 7 or 11 - 7 = 4 then our answer is correct. In algebra we can use the same concept to solve an equation. R + 5 = 14 Therefore R = 14 - 5 R = 9 Try this example T + 346245 = 6478329 answer
A subtraction example: 7 - 4 = 3 To prove this answer correct we add 4 to 3 7 = 4+ 3 and if 4 + 3 equals 7 our answer 3 is correct. In algebra we can use the same concept to solve an equation. R - 4 = 6 therefore R = 6 + 4 and hence R = 10 Try this example P - 564783 = 432657 answer
Lets combine both procedures into one example: 4t + 7 = 39 4t is a number and we are adding 7 to it. Therefore 4t = 39 -7 4t = 32 and t = 32 ÷ 4 = 8 Therefore t = 8 Try this example: 37r + 16 = 275 answer