An open number sentence is a mathematical statement that contains a variable and is not a complete equation because it does not have an equal sign. The variable represents a number that can change, and the goal is to find the value of the variable that makes the statement true.
Consider the open number sentence: 5 + x > 10
. In this statement, x
is the variable. The goal is to find the value of x
that makes the inequality true.
To solve an open number sentence, you can use inverse operations to isolate the variable. In the example 5 + x > 10
, you can subtract 5 from both sides to isolate x
:
5 + x - 5 > 10 - 5
x > 5
So, the solution to the open number sentence 5 + x > 10
is x > 5
. This means that any value of x
greater than 5 will make the inequality true.
Open number sentences are important in mathematics as they help us understand the concept of variables and inequalities. By solving these open number sentences, we can find the range of values for the variable that satisfy the given condition.
Understanding open number sentences is essential for more advanced mathematical concepts such as algebra and solving equations.