📚 Variables on Both Sides
The Balance Idea
An equation is a balanced scale — whatever you do to one side, do to the other.
Goal: get all the x terms on one side and all the numbers on the other.
1
Move the smaller x term. Subtract it from both sides.
5x + 3 = 2x + 12 → 3x + 3 = 12
2
Move the number. Add or subtract it from both sides.
3x + 3 = 12 → 3x = 9
3
Divide by the coefficient.3x = 9 → x = 3
4
Check it! Plug x back into both sides — they should match.
5(3) + 3 = 18 and 2(3) + 12 = 18 ✓
Reading an Algebra Tile Model
Each green bar is one x. Each gold square is 1. The two sides of the mat are equal.
✓
Count the x-bars on each side → those are the coefficients.
✓
Count the unit squares on each side → those are the constants.
✓
2 bars + 3 squares = 1 bar + 5 squares → 2x + 3 = x + 5
How to Play
🧩
Match It — Pick the equation that matches the tile model or word problem.
⚖️
Solve It — Find the value of x. Choose from 4 answers.
🆕
Mixed — Both types together for the ultimate challenge!
🧮
Calculator — Tap the 🧮 button any time. Pro move: try it in your head first, then verify!
