How Do You Explain Basic Pre-Algebra Equations?
Solving algebraic equations boils down to one simple concept: solving for the unknown. The basic idea behind how to do this is simple: what you do to one side of an equation, you must do to the other. As long as you perform the same operation on both sides of the equation, the equation remains balanced. The rest is simply performing a series of arithmetic functions to break apart the complex equation in an effort to get the variable x by itself. Write down the equation in its simplest terms. This concept may sound daunting, but by taking away complex functions like square roots and exponents, you drastically reduce the complexity of the problem. For example: 2t – 29 = 7. This equation is already expressed in its simplest terms and is ready to be taken apart and solved. Begin solving for x. The basic principle behind algebra is to get the variable (x) on one side by itself and a number on the other side of the equals sign. The solution to any algebra problem should ultimately look like
