To review how to solve an equation, click here.
Algebraic Proofs
An algebraic proof is a series of logical statements that are used to reach a conclusion. Basically, it means that as you solve an equation, you provide a reason for each step. Some of the reasons that can be used in an algebraic proof are as follows:
A common format used for algebraic proofs is two column. One column is labeled STATEMENTS, and the other column is labeled REASONS. The "STATEMENTS" column is where you write each equivalent equation as you solve, and the "REASONS" column is where you write the justification (choose the correct property from the list above) for each step.
When creating a proof, use the "given" statement as the first statement in the proof, and continue writing equivalent equations until you have reached the "prove" statement. When filling out the two columns, make sure not to show the work within the proof. So, you may need to solve the equation first, before setting up your algebraic proof. Look at the example below.
Algebraic Proofs
An algebraic proof is a series of logical statements that are used to reach a conclusion. Basically, it means that as you solve an equation, you provide a reason for each step. Some of the reasons that can be used in an algebraic proof are as follows:
- Addition Property of Equality (if you add a term to both sides of an equation)
- Subtraction Property of Equality (if you subtract a term from both sides of an equation)
- Multiplication Property of Equality (if you multiply both sides of an equation by a constant)
- Division Property of Equality (if you divide both sides of an equation by a constant)
- Distributive Property (use when you have to distribute to write an equivalent expression)
- Simplify/Combine Like Terms (when you combine like terms to "condense" part of an equation)
- Symmetric Property of Equality (use to state that 5 = x is the same as x = 5 for example)
A common format used for algebraic proofs is two column. One column is labeled STATEMENTS, and the other column is labeled REASONS. The "STATEMENTS" column is where you write each equivalent equation as you solve, and the "REASONS" column is where you write the justification (choose the correct property from the list above) for each step.
When creating a proof, use the "given" statement as the first statement in the proof, and continue writing equivalent equations until you have reached the "prove" statement. When filling out the two columns, make sure not to show the work within the proof. So, you may need to solve the equation first, before setting up your algebraic proof. Look at the example below.