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The Golden Rule of Equations
The Golden Rule of Equations
Think of an equation like a perfectly balanced scale. Whatever you do to one side, you MUST do to the other side to keep it balanced. Want to remove the +7? Subtract 7 from BOTH sides. Want to get rid of the "times 3"? Divide BOTH sides by 3. The goal: get x completely alone on one side.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- WRONG: 3x + 7 = 22, so x = 22/3 + 7 (Forgetting to deal with +7 first)
- WRONG: Doing an operation to only ONE side (Must do the same to BOTH sides)
- RIGHT: Always do inverse operations in reverse order of BIDMAS
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 16
What is the solution to 3x = 12?
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