8th Grade · Expressions & Equations
Isolate
8.EE.C.8b
Definition
To get a variable by itself on one side of an equation using inverse operations. This is the goal when solving and the first step in substitution.
Examples
- 3x+6 = 15: subtract 6 to get 3x = 9, divide by 3 to get x = 3.
- Solve x+y = 7 for y: y = 7-x.
Key rule
Use inverse operations to move every other term away from the variable.
Memory hook
Get the variable alone on one side.