SOLUTION: Keeping an equation "balanced" seems to be a key element in algebra. Can you describe what this means? Is it something to pay attention to when solving any type of equation?

Question 4793: Keeping an equation "balanced" seems to be a key element in algebra.
Can you describe what this means? Is it something to pay attention to
when solving any type of equation?
Answer by rapaljer(4671) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Think of the equation as a pan balance. I like to call this the "Golden Rule of Mathematics": Do unto one side as ye do unto the other. Formally, it is using several properties of equations, but I prefer the informal approach. Basically, you can add (or subtract) any number or quantity to each side of an equation, and the equation (pan balance) remains in "balance. You can multiply or divide both sides of an equation by any NON-ZERO number (important to note that you are NOT allowed to multiply or divide both sides of an equation by zero!), and the equation remains in balance. That is what we do when we solve an equation.

R^2 at SCC
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