1. The problem is to understand and work with the equation $x - y = z$. 2. This is a simple linear equation relating three variables $x$, $y$, and $z$. 3. The equation states that the difference between $x$ and $y$ equals $z$. 4. To isolate any variable, we can rearrange the equation: - To solve for $x$: $$x = y + z$$ - To solve for $y$: $$y = x - z$$ - To solve for $z$: $$z = x - y$$ 5. These rearrangements follow the basic algebraic rule that you can add or subtract the same quantity on both sides of an equation. 6. For example, if you want to find $x$ given $y$ and $z$, you add $y$ and $z$. 7. This equation is foundational in algebra and helps understand relationships between variables.