In a two variable equation, one variable is solved in terms of the other. For example, if you have a problem with the variables x and y, you might be told to solve x. This means y will be part of the answer. If you are told to solve for y, then x will be part of the answer.
Here is an example:
Solve the following equation for y:
2x – y = 4
Hint: You are solving for y, so you must isolate y on one side of the equation. In other words, the variable y must stand alone.