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Mathematics vocabulary · Algebra and Equations

Solve

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/sɑːlv/verbCore term

In mathematics, solve means: To find the value or values of an unknown that make an equation or inequality true, or to find the answer to a problem.

In Turkish: çözmek, bulmak

How it is used

You solve an equation, a system of equations, an inequality or a problem. 'Solve for x' means find x, or rearrange so that x is on its own. The noun is 'solution': an equation can have one, many or no solutions.

Example sentences

  1. Solve for x: 3x − 4 = 11.

  2. We solved the system by substitution and then checked both answers.

Common collocations

  • solve an equation
  • solve for x
  • solve a problem
  • solve by factorising
  • solve simultaneously
  • equationA mathematical statement with an equals sign, showing that two expressions have the same value, such as 2x + 3 = 11.
  • rootA value of the variable that makes an equation or polynomial equal to zero; the roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0 are 2 and 3.
  • plug inTo put a particular number in place of a variable in a formula or expression to see what result it gives; an informal word for 'substitute'.
  • inequalityA statement that compares two values using <, >, ≤ or ≥, such as 2x + 1 > 7, showing that one side is larger or smaller than the other.

More terms: Algebra and Equations

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