Algebraic Clue Solver
Solve for the unknown 'x' in the linear equation Ax + B = C, a common "math class calculation" often found in crossword clues.
Result:
Understanding Math Class Calculations for Crossword Clues
Crossword puzzles often feature clues that require a bit of mathematical thinking, reminiscent of problems encountered in a typical math class. These "math class calculations" can range from simple arithmetic to basic algebra. One common type of algebraic problem involves solving for an unknown variable in a linear equation, which can frequently appear as a word problem in a crossword clue.
What is a Linear Equation?
A linear equation is an algebraic equation in which each term has an exponent of 1 and the graph of the equation is a straight line. The most common form is Ax + B = C, where 'x' is the unknown variable, and 'A', 'B', and 'C' are known numbers (constants). The coefficient 'A' cannot be zero in a standard linear equation. Solving a linear equation means finding the value of 'x' that makes the equation true.
How Linear Equations Appear in Crossword Clues
You might encounter a crossword clue like: "A number, when doubled and then increased by five, yields fifteen. What is the number?" This is a classic linear equation problem in disguise. Let 'x' be "a number".
- "doubled" means multiplied by 2:
2x - "increased by five" means add 5:
2x + 5 - "yields fifteen" means equals 15:
2x + 5 = 15
Here, A = 2, B = 5, and C = 15. Solving for x: 2x = 15 - 5, so 2x = 10, and x = 5. The answer to the crossword clue would be "FIVE".
Using the Algebraic Clue Solver
Our calculator helps you quickly solve for the unknown 'x' in any linear equation of the form Ax + B = C. Simply input the values for the coefficient 'A', the additive constant 'B', and the target result 'C', and the calculator will determine the value of 'x'. This can be incredibly useful for verifying your answers to math-related crossword clues or for quickly solving such problems.
Example Calculation:
Let's use a common crossword clue scenario:
Crossword Clue: "A number, when multiplied by 3 and then decreased by 7, results in 11. What is the number?"
Translating this into the Ax + B = C format:
- "multiplied by 3": This is our 'A', so
A = 3. - "decreased by 7": This is our 'B', so
B = -7(since it's a decrease). - "results in 11": This is our 'C', so
C = 11.
Input these values into the calculator:
- Coefficient of Unknown (A):
3 - Additive Constant (B):
-7 - Target Result (C):
11
The calculator will compute: x = (11 - (-7)) / 3 = (11 + 7) / 3 = 18 / 3 = 6.
The unknown value 'x' is 6. So, the answer to the crossword clue is "SIX".