- Look at the equation. Are there any grouping symbols like ( ) or { }?
- YES: Use the Distributive Property or combine like terms inside the grouping symbols first.
- NO: Move to the next step.
- Look at each side of the equation. Are there like terms on the left side? Are there like terms on the right side?
- YES: Combine like terms on each side separately.
- NO: Move to the next step.
- Do you have variables on both sides of the equal sign?
- YES: Use inverse operations to move all variable terms to one side (usually the side with the larger coefficient).
- NO: Move to the next step.
- Do you have a constant added or subtracted on both sides of the equal sign?
- YES: Use inverse operations to isolate the variable term by moving constants to the opposite side.
- NO: Move to the next step.
- Does your variable have a coefficient other than 1?
- YES: Divide or multiply both sides by the coefficient to solve for the variable.
- NO: The variable is already isolated; proceed to check your solution.
- You should have a simple equation with a variable = a number. Check your solution by substituting it back into the original equation.
- YES: If both sides are equal, the solution is correct.
- NO: Recheck each step for errors and correct them.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of inverse operations foldable.
