How to use this sheet

  • Have the child say what is being done to the variable, then do the opposite to both sides.
  • Write the step on both sides, one under the other, so nothing is done to one side only.
  • Have the child check each answer by putting it back into the equation.

Common mistakes

  • Doing the operation on one side only. Whatever is done to one side is done to the other.
  • Using the same operation instead of the opposite, so x + 5 = 12 becomes x = 17.
  • For 3x = 12, subtracting 3. The 3 multiplies x, so divide by 3.

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