Keep both sides balanced and check your answer.
01 · THE BIG IDEARead deeper+
An equation says two expressions have the same value. To keep that equality true, perform the same valid operation on both sides. Your goal is to leave the unknown on its own.
02 · EXAMPLERead deeper+
Start with 3x + 5 = 20. Subtract 5 from both sides: 3x = 15. Divide both sides by 3: x = 5. Check in the original equation: 3 × 5 + 5 = 20.
03 · TRY ITRead deeper+
For 2x + 4 = 18, what is x?


