Balance when Adding and Subtracting

Algebra is great fun - you get to solve puzzles!

When we add or subtract the same thing from both sides the equation stays in balance.

Watch the equation below and try to get "x = (something)" using the +x, −x, +1, −1 buttons.

Things to Try

Each "equation" will have a solution like "x=2" (or maybe "x=3", etc). Try to see all the different ways this answer can be hidden.

• First, try to solve the equation by adding and subtracting until you get an answer like x = (value)
• Then add and subtract some more until you get x − (value) = 0
• Then just add and subtract different amounts to see all the possibilities.

Now press "New Equation" and try out some more ... !