The Subtraction Property of Equality in Algebra | Understanding and Applying the Fundamental Concept

subtraction property of equality

The subtraction property of equality is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to manipulate equations by subtracting the same quantity from both sides of the equation

The subtraction property of equality is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to manipulate equations by subtracting the same quantity from both sides of the equation. It states that if two quantities are equal, and we subtract the same value from both sides of the equation, the resulting equation will still be true.

Mathematically, the subtraction property of equality can be expressed as follows:

If a = b, then a – c = b – c.

Here, “a” and “b” represent any two quantities that are equal, and “c” represents any value that we want to subtract from both sides. This property allows us to perform the same operation on both sides of an equation without changing the equality.

For example, consider the equation 2x + 5 = 15. To solve for “x,” we can apply the subtraction property of equality. By subtracting 5 from both sides of the equation, we have:

2x + 5 – 5 = 15 – 5
2x = 10

The subtraction property of equality enables us to isolate the variable “x” on one side of the equation. This property is essential for solving equations and inequalities, as it allows us to perform operations that simplify and transform equations while maintaining their validity.

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