beginning Algebra made easy!

1. An Equal Sign means that one side is equal to the other.

15 = 7 + 8

7 + 8 = 15

2. Numbers or variables - it doesn't make any difference.

w + 5 = 14

14 = w + 5

3. You can move the constant (number) from one side of the equal sign to the other as long as whatever you do to one side you do to the other. Using the below equation to practice.

w + 5 = 14 (you want the variable to be all alone so you need to subtract 5 from each side

-5 = - 5 (what you do to one of an equation you do to the other)
w = 9

and...

C - 3 = 7

+3 = 3
C = 10

Did you notice that once the equation was set up with the variables on one side and the numbers on the other, it was much easier to solve?

Do not get into the habit of solving the equations in your head - try and understand what is happening.

for more practical ideas on alebra made easy... go to
www.numberpower.org