Solution

Pronunciation: /soʊˈlu ʃən/ Explain

The solution to a math problem is the correct answer for the problem. The solution to an equation is a set of one or more values that, when substituted for a variable, make an equation or system true or consistent. To solve a math problem is to find the solution of the problem.

For example, given the equation x + 3 = 5, the solution is x = 2. Try substituting 2 for x in the equation. The equation becomes 2 + 3 = 5. Since this is a true statement, we know that 2 is a solution to the equation.

An extraneous solution is a apparent solution that does not check out. Extraneous solutions can occur when multiplying both sides of an equation by a variable, and by squaring both sides of an equation.

Step	Equation	Description
1		This is the equation to solve.
2		Square both sides of the equation. This is the step where and extraneous solution is introduced. Expand both sides of the equation by applying the exponents.
3		Subtract x from both sides of the equation.
4		Factor the left hand side of the equation.
5		The factors imply solutions of 4 and 1.
6		Check the solution x=4 by substituting 4 for x in the original equation. The equation now simplifies to 2=2. Since this is a true statement, 2 is a solution to the equation. 2 is not an extraneous solution to the equation.
7		Check the solution x=1 by substituting 1 for x in the original equation. The equation now simplifies to -1=1. Since this is a false statement, 1 is a not solution to the equation. 1 is an extraneous solution.
Table 1: Finding an extraneous solution.

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Solution. 5/5/2011. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/s/solution.html.

Image Credits

• All images and manipulatives are by David McAdams unless otherwise stated. All images by David McAdams are Copyright © Life is a Story Problem LLC and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revision History

1/9/2009: Added section on 'extraneous solution'. (McAdams, David E.)
12/3/2008: Added 'one or more values' to the definition. (McAdams, David E.)
9/15/2008: Added 'More Information'. (McAdams, David E.)
3/5/2008: Add solution to a math problem. (McAdams, David E.)
7/11/2007: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)