What is solving for?

Solving for refers to finding the value of a variable in a mathematical equation or formula. The process of solving for a variable involves isolating the variable on one side of the equation by performing operations to transform the equation into an equivalent one that is easier to solve. This may involve adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing both sides of the equation by the same number or variable.

For example, if we have the equation 2x + 3 = 9, we can solve for x by isolating it on one side of the equation:

2x + 3 - 3 = 9 - 3 (subtract 3 from both sides) 2x = 6 (simplify) 2x/2 = 6/2 (divide both sides by 2) x = 3 (simplify)

Therefore, the solution for the variable x in this equation is 3. This process of solving for variables is a fundamental skill in many areas of mathematics, science, and engineering, and is used extensively in solving real-world problems and designing systems and processes.