Understanding How to Solve Linear Equations: A Step-by-Step Approach

When it comes to tackling algebra, many students feel a jolt of anxiety. Trust me, you’re not alone! Solving linear equations like (2x + 6 = 14) can seem daunting at first, but it’s all about breaking it down into manageable steps. So, let’s unravel this equation together, shall we?

First things first—our equation looks like this: (2x + 6 = 14). At a glance, it might feel overwhelming, but here’s the thing: all we need to do is isolate (x). Sounds simple enough, right? So, let’s kick things off by getting rid of that pesky constant term on the left side, which in this case is 6.

Remember back in math class when they told you every action has an equal and opposite reaction? Well, we’re going to apply that here. To eliminate 6, we simply subtract it from both sides:

[ 2x + 6 - 6 = 14 - 6 ]

What happens next might just make you feel like a math wizard; we end up simplifying it to:

[ 2x = 8 ]

Now we’re in the clear! Our next move is to solve for (x). The coefficient of (x) here is 2, and to get (x) by itself, you divide both sides of the equation by 2:

[ x = \frac{8}{2} ]

And voilà, we find that:

[ x = 4 ]

Let me pause for a moment—how easy was that? Honestly, it’s like peeling an orange, right? Not so terrifying once you get started! Now, to confirm that we’ve got the right answer, let’s plug (x = 4) back into our original equation:

[ 2(4) + 6 = 8 + 6 = 14 ]

Crisis averted! The equation holds true. But just to clarify, what about the other options like (x = 8), (x = 10), or (x = 13)? If you try substituting those values back, you’ll find they fall short, leaving (x = 4) as the only valid solution.

Feeling a bit more confident in solving equations? If linear equations feel like small hurdles in your math journey, remember that every step you take builds your academic skills. And as you prepare for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), mastering these fundamental principles will help not just in math, but in achieving your educational goals.

So go ahead! Grab your math tools, practice a few more equations, and before you know it, you’ll be acing your TEAS ATI Mathematics Test with flying colors. Keep pushing through, and remember, practice makes progress. You got this!