1. Solving Algebraic Problems

2. Step One Consider the order in which the equation was built. 3x + 8 = 5 4 x Was the “x” multiplied or divided by anything? (Including squaring) 3x Was anything added or subtracted to or from the “x”? +8 Was the whole expression multiplied or divided? 4 “x” was multiplied by 3 8 was added to 3x The whole expression, 3x+8, was divided by 4 Click for each step

3. And we’re told the complete expression equals five 3x +8= 5 4

4. Step Two Work backwards through the order of events doing... the opposite operation by the same magnitude...for each event. Be sure to do the same to both sides of the equation to keep it balanced.

5. So, lastly The whole expression, 3x+8, was divided by 4 So multiply both sides by 4 3x +8= 5 4 3x +8= 5 4 x4x4 4x4x 3x +8= 20 Remember: These cancel each other out. Click for each step

6. 3x +8 = 20 And, second last 3x +8= 20 8 was added to 3x So, subtract 8 from each side - 8 3x = 12 Click for each step

7. Then, first... So we do it last x= 4 3x = 12 Click for each step “x” was multiplied by 3 So divide both sides by 3. 33

8. Step Three Enjoy a warm feeling of satisfaction. Click for summary

9. Summary Step One, How was the equation built? Unknown multiplied or divided added or subtracted whole expression divided or multiplied Step Two, Do the opposite operation for each event in the reverse order.