From: Marielouise (for Teacher2Teacher Service)
Date: Mar 18, 2000 at 20:41:23
Subject: Re: Algebraic equations

None of the example equations given involve the use of negative numbers.
Have you used these?   If not do it.

The next step could be an extension one of the following:

1.  collect similar terms all of which are on the same side of the equal
sign.  For example:   x + 3 - 2x - 8 = 6

2.  collect similar terms all of which are NOT on the same side of the equal
sign.  For example:   x + 3 = 6 - 2x

3.  collect the x values together and then solve as 3x  =  12.   For example,
x + 2x - 5x =  -34.

4.  extend the number of operations to be done in the solution of the
equation.  For example:   2x + 7 = - 11   In this case you would first treat
the equation as  x + 4 = 6 above.   Then you would treat the resulting
equation as 3x = 12 above.

Happy looking for x.

 -Marielouise, for the Teacher2Teacher service

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