Which of the following is a reason why it is preferred to isolate the variable before solving an algebraic equation:

Question

A. It allows you to easily input the values into the variables.

B. It makes it to where you don't have to solve parts of the equation and write partial answers.

C. It simplifies the original equation allowing you to solve the equation one time (pressing = only once.)

D. It makes it easier to determine which variable you are solving for.

E. All of the answer choices are reasons to isolate the variable.

Answer 1

Hello, Olesya,

It seems to me that all the answers are valid reasons, but (A) stands out as the best, if I had to pick just one. The reason I like to isolate the unknown to one side deals primarily with unit cancellations, as well as simplify entering the data. It allows for a more methodical calculation that avoids careless errors. But one of the first things I do is cancel and rearrange units (e.g., km/sec, m^2, etc.) and see what unit results. If the answer is supposed to be km/hr, but I wind up with miles/cm^2, then I know I've done something wrong and stop there until I can correct the equation, before wasting time on the actual calculations.

Bob