Solving for the unknown (x)

A response to the Misunderstood Activity
created August 20, 2020 by Tracey Chase (@traceychase)

Number of views: 303

I teach Introduction to Business Mathematics and one concept that students have issues with is solving for the unknown in an equation.  Students can come to class knowing how to solve for the unknown with no issues and some don’t know where to start.  The idea of using a balance graphic (scale, teetor totter) to help them visualize that we have to keep balance on each side could help.  Whatever I do to one side I need to do to the other side to keep balance.  I do reference the idea of balance in my lectures, but having visuals can help students understand the concept.  This idea can be used for intro equations and also some more challenging questions.

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