Keeping both sides of an equation balanced
Solving an equation means isolating the unknown while preserving equality. Think of doing the same operation on both sides as keeping two sides of a balance level.
Try it yourself first.
Solve 3x + 5 = 20. Explain what you do to both sides at every step, then test your answer in the original equation.
View the solution or example answer
Subtract five from both sides to get 3x = 15. Divide both sides by three to find x = 5. Check: 3 × 5 + 5 = 20, so the original condition is satisfied.
Your next step.
Go beyond saying “change the sign when it crosses over”. Naming the inverse operation also helps with more complex equations.
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