What must you know in order to solve for an unknown value in an equation?

To solve for an unknown value in an equation, it is essential to know the values for all but one of the terms. This approach allows you to isolate the unknown variable based on the known quantities.

For example, in a simple equation like ( x + 5 = 10 ), knowing that 5 and 10 are the known values enables you to subtract 5 from both sides to find ( x ). This method confirms that understanding the relationship between the known and unknown terms is key to finding the solution.

The other options presented do not effectively lead to a solution for an unknown:

• Moving all positive numbers to one side does not provide a clear path to solving for the unknown, as it could complicate the equation.

• Knowing the values for all terms in the equation is technically accurate, but it is not necessary. The key is to have all but one of the terms known.

• Dividing all unknowns by a known value can mislead the process of isolating the variable; it may not apply correctly to every equation or situation.

Hence, having values for all but one of the terms is the most direct and efficient way to find an unknown in an equation.