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Coolmath Pre-Algebra
Solving Equations Lesson 2 - What to Do - Part 1   (page 1 of 2)
---- This pre-algebra lesson explains how to solve an equation by adding or subtracting a number from both sides of the equations.

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Let's start with an easy one:

Solve  x - 3 = 7

We can just look at it and see that  x = 10...

But, what if we didn't see that?  What would we do?

Here's the Algebra trick:

We'll add 3 to both sides!

x - 3 + 3 = 7 + 3 gives x + 0 = 10 which is x = 10

*Remember the see saw?
Whatever we do to one side of the equation,
we have to do to the other side.

Why did we ADD 3?

x - 3 = 7
             To undo this!  + is the opposite of -

The goal is to get the x alone.  Just imagine that Mr. X hasn't showered in a few weeks and everyone wants to get away from him.  It's your job to help.

Continued on the next page

 The printing and distribution and/or downloading of these lessons is strictly prohibited.
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