Lesson: Basic Algebra - 06t01

Isolating Variables on Standardized Tests

Now let’s examine how standardized tests can ask you to isolate variables on test day.

Click on the oval to pick an answer, then click Continue.

If , then 2x=    -6    -3    -2/3    3   6

Before we can find 2x, we must isolate the variable:

Now that we have the variable, we can use it to find other information. Here, we had to find x so that we could figure out what 2x is:

The answer is the first choice.When questions are posed in multiple-choice formats, multiple solution methods are possible, including back solving and picking numbers (strategies covered elsewhere in the CAT program). Here in this module we will always highlight the algebraic solution, because that's our topic. Just remember that alternative approaches are often at your disposal. By the way, did you note that this particular question asked for 2x, not just x? And did you notice that the answer you found for x was also there among the choices? Always read the question carefully, so you don't get caught in these sorts of traps! Back Next

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