Isolating Variable Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Isolate yy in 2x+y=102x + y = 10.

Solution

  1. 1
    Subtract 2x2x from both sides: y=10−2xy = 10 - 2x.
  2. 2
    Now yy is alone on one side—it is isolated.
  3. 3
    This expresses yy as a function of xx.

Answer

y=10−2xy = 10 - 2x
Isolating a variable means getting it alone on one side of the equation. This is done by performing inverse operations on both sides.

About Isolating Variable

Rearranging an equation by applying inverse operations until the variable stands alone on one side.

Learn more about Isolating Variable →

More Isolating Variable Examples

Example 2 medium

Solve [formula] for [formula].

Example 3 medium

Solve for y: 3(2y - 4) + 5 = 2y + 9

Example 4 easy

Isolate [formula] in [formula].

Example 5 hard

Solve [formula] for [formula].

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