Math Study Strategies
Properties of Equality
The Reflexive Property
a =a
The Symmetric Property
If a=b, then b=a
For more information about this and other math topics, come to the Math Lab 722-6300 x 6232. Caproiu & Hall, 2000. Created by Varaz and Vasag Bozoghlanian.
The Transitive Property
If a=b and b=c, then a=c
The Substitution Property
If a=b, then a can be substituted for b in any equation
The Addition and Subtraction Properties
If a=b, then a+c = b+c and a-c = b-c
If a=b and c=d, then a+c = b+d and a-c = b-d
The Multiplication Properties
If a=b, then ac=bc
If a=b and c=d, then ac=bd
The Division Properties
a b
If a=b and c= 0, then =
c c
If a=b and c=d=0, then a = b
c d
The Square Roots Property* * assume only the principal of
If a=b≥ 0, then a = b positive square root
Example Problem
Equation:
7 + x = 4(x - 2)
Solution:
7 + x = 4(x - 2) Distributive property
7 + x = 4x - 8 Transitive property
7 = 3x - 8 Subtraction property
15 = 3x Addition property
5=x Division property
x=5 Symmetric property
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