1. Algebraic Equations
6th Grade Mathematics Class
Tracey Wilson

2. Goals
• Constants
• Variables
• Simple Algebraic Equations

3. Algebraic
Equations
Overview
We are about to take a
journey into the
wonderful world of
mathematics. As we
begin our adventure
you should keep in
mind two words:
constant and variable.
By the end of this
lesson you will be
capable of solving
simple algebraic
equations!

4. Constants
In mathematics,
constants are numbers
that stand alone or
letters that stand in
for a pre-determined
number. Letters that
are considered
constants are
represented by letters
such as a, b or c.
Constant Constant
Constant

5. Variables
In mathematics,
a variable is a
letter such as x,
y or z that stands
for an unknown
number.
Variable
Variable

6. Food for Thought
• In algebraic expressions everything is either a
constant or a variable. If it is not a constant
then it is a variable!

7. Problem #1

8. Answer #1
Variable
Constant
Variable
Constant
Constant

9. The “How To”
Part I
When working an algebraic
equations it is important
that you remember to
group all of the constants
and all of the variables
together. Otherwise, all the
constants should be on
one side while all the
variables should be on the
other side. To move a
constant or a variable
across the equal sign you
must use the opposite
operator on both sides of
the equation.
Subtraction
x-5=15
Addition
+5 +5
x=15+5
Variable Constant
Constant

10. The “How To”
Part II
4x-5=15
In the previous slide
you were shown how
to move constants and
variables around the
equations. Now, let us
take it a step further
by solving an entire
equation. To solve,
you simply follow the
two rules listed
previously.

11. The “How To”
Part II
4x-5=15
+5 +5
In the previous slide
you were shown how
to move constants and
variables around the
equations. Now, let us
take it a step further
by solving an entire
equation. To solve,
you simply follow the
two rules listed
previously.

12. The “How To”
Part II
4x-5=15
+5 +5
4x=20
In the previous slide
you were shown how
to move constants and
variables around the
equations. Now, let us
take it a step further
by solving an entire
equation. To solve,
you simply follow the
two rules listed
previously.

13. The “How To”
Part II
In the previous slide
you were shown how
to move constants and
variables around the
equations. Now, let us
take it a step further
by solving an entire
equation. To solve,
you simply follow the
two rules listed
previously.

14. The “How To”
Part II
In the previous slide
you were shown how
to move constants and
variables around the
equations. Now, let us
take it a step further
by solving an entire
equation. To solve,
you simply follow the
two rules listed
previously.

15. The “How To”
Part II
In the previous slide
you were shown how
to move constants and
variables around the
equations. Now, let us
take it a step further
by solving an entire
equation. To solve,
you simply follow the
two rules listed
previously.

16. Food for Thought
No matter how difficult the problem may seem you
must always remember to 1) move all constants to one
side and all variables to the other side of the equation
and 2) use the opposite operator to move a constant or
variable across the equal sign.

17. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

18. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

19. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

20. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

21. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

22. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

23. Example #1
In the following problem solve for y.

24. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

25. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

26. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

27. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

28. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

29. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

30. Example #2
In the following problem solve for x.

31. Problem #2
In the following problem solve for y.

32. Answer #2