An algebraic equation is a mathematical statement that shows the equality of two expressions. It typically includes variables, which are symbols that represent unknown values, and constants, which are fixed numbers. For example, in the equation 2x + 3 = 7, x is the variable, and the equation states that when 2x is increased by 3, it equals 7. To solve an algebraic equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true. This often involves isolating the variable on one side of the equation. Techniques such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are commonly used to manipulate the equation until the variable is solved.