Algebra 1 · Expressions & Equations
Isolate the Variable
Algebra 1 · Expressions & Equations
Definition
To isolate the variable is to get the variable alone on one side of an equation using inverse operations.
Examples
- x + 7 = 12 → subtract 7 → x = 5.
- 4x = 20 → divide by 4 → x = 5.
Key rule
Undo operations in reverse order until the variable stands alone.
Memory hook
Get the variable alone on its own island.