Solve for Z in the Equation: z + 2 = 8

Q: Why do I subtract 2 from both sides instead of just the left?

An equation is like a balanced scale! Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side to keep it balanced. Subtracting 2 from only the left would tip the scale.

Q: What if I accidentally add 2 instead of subtract?

Adding 2 to both sides gives you $ z + 4 = 10 $, which makes the problem harder! Always use the opposite operation of what you see with the variable.

Q: How do I remember which operation to use?

Look at what's happening to your variable. If it's plus 2, you need to subtract 2. If it were minus 5, you'd add 5. Use the opposite!

Q: Can I solve this a different way?

You could think: "What number plus 2 equals 8?" But the subtraction method is more reliable for complex equations, so it's good to practice this way!

Q: What does it mean to 'isolate the variable'?

Isolating means getting the variable by itself on one side. You want $ z = $ something, not $ z + 2 = $ something.

Linear Equations with Subtraction Method

Solve for Z:

$z+2=8$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve for Z:

$z+2=8$

Step-by-step solution

To solve for $z$ , we need to isolate it on one side of the equation. Starting with:

$z+2=8$

Subtract $2$ from both sides to get:

$z+2-2=8-2$

This simplifies to:

$z=6$

Therefore, the solution is $z = 6$ .

Final Answer

$6$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Isolation Rule: Use inverse operations to isolate the variable
Technique: Subtract 2 from both sides: 8 - 2 = 6
Check: Substitute back into original equation: 6 + 2 = 8 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting from only one side
Don't subtract 2 from just the left side = z = 8! This breaks the balance of the equation and gives the wrong answer. Always perform the same operation on both sides to maintain equality.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ x+7=14 $$

$x=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I subtract 2 from both sides instead of just the left?

An equation is like a balanced scale! Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side to keep it balanced. Subtracting 2 from only the left would tip the scale.

What if I accidentally add 2 instead of subtract?

Adding 2 to both sides gives you $z + 4 = 10$ , which makes the problem harder! Always use the opposite operation of what you see with the variable.

How do I remember which operation to use?

Look at what's happening to your variable. If it's plus 2, you need to subtract 2. If it were minus 5, you'd add 5. Use the opposite!

Can I solve this a different way?

You could think: "What number plus 2 equals 8?" But the subtraction method is more reliable for complex equations, so it's good to practice this way!

What does it mean to 'isolate the variable'?

Isolating means getting the variable by itself on one side. You want $z =$ something, not $z + 2 =$ something.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Linear Equations (One Variable) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime