Quote:
Originally Posted by Darrell
Is simplifying necessary in all equations?
|
At this level of mathematics, it is a good thing to do. Here, we simplified in order to find out what the value of 'x' was, which is what we wanted.
Once you get to more complicated equations, you won't be able to immediately simplify to get an answer. Equations with more than one variable (the famous 'quadratic equations' of high school math are an example), you will put the equations into a certain form and then use a formula to solve the equation (more memorization
). Some times, the equation has more than one (!) answer, even in algebra, but work these things one step at a time.
btw, I didn't mention it before, but if you call your local community college or college/university, they may have someone who can help you plan out what you need to work on. At least up where I'm at, they will do this at no charge (in the hopes that you'll take a class - and pay tuition - from them).