Interactive applet

Solving Equations

Balance a linear equation one inverse operation at a time. See when you get one, none, or infinitely many solutions.

Both exams

Hands-on lab

Balance scale

3x + 419

3x + 4 = 19

  1. 1. Subtract 4 from both sides: 3x = 15
  2. 2. Divide by 3: x = 5

Missions

  • Solve so x = 5
  • Build 0 = 0 (infinitely many)
  • Build a contradiction (no solution)

0/3 complete

Guided questions

Undo addition before you undo multiplication. Why is that order helpful?

Reflection

How do you know when a linear equation has no solution?

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