SOLUTION: I have no clue how algebra works... Help!

Question 687232: I have no clue how algebra works... Help!
Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have learned about the basic operations on
numbers like addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and divisions,.
All algebra does is apply these operations to
symbols like and which stand for
numbers, but which number is usually unknown.
If I say , then every time I see ,
I can replace it with .
-----------------------
The other thing to understand is the " = " sign
Think of the " = " sign as a balance point, and if you do
something to one side, you have to do the exact same thing
to the other side.
For instance, I said

If that's true, I can say

What if I subtract from the right side?

But I don't want to change, so what
should I do ? I have to subtract from BOTH sides
like this:

Is this OK ? I'll find out by replacing with
because I know I can.

I'm still OK
This is the very basics of algebra

RELATED QUESTIONS
A coin bank contains $17.00 in pennies and nickels. If there are 1140 coins in the bank,... (answered by checkley71)

I have no... (answered by Alan3354)

I have no clue about algebra. Please help me to understand how to identify the terms of... (answered by Seutip)

I have no clue how to do this... Will you help me... (answered by elima)

I have no clue how to solve 3t/4-t/2=1 can you help... (answered by checkley77)

1<3x+2<12... i have no clue how to solve this, someone help... (answered by jim_thompson5910)

i need help with proofs have no clue how to do it (answered by MathLover1)

I have no clue even where to begin this!!!... (answered by Jeff Gordon)

My algebra teacher is having me retake a test on inderect and inverse variation. I have... (answered by Earlsdon)