Making Sense of Algebra: The Basic Concepts [OLD VER]
Before you start to read this, I need you to pretend like you don't know everything about algebra, EVEN IF you do know it. Imagine you want to buy something which costs $5 at a store. However, you then realize that you only have $2 in your pocket. How much the extra money do you have to bring when you go back to the store later? When we work in math, we can write it as an equation, something like $2 + extra money = $5 Now, to ease our calculation, symbolize the extra money with a letter, say \(x\) and remove the dollar sign, since our calculation involves USD and USD and produces a result in USD, so we can just write the dollar sign at the final answer. $$ 2+x=5 $$ You realize, to get a $5 stuff, the money you currently have, which is $2, added together with the extra money you'll take must be $5. So, you will instinctively guess, "Well, it's $3." Let's prove your instinct, shall we? Replace \( x \) with the guessed amount of extra money, $3, and see wha...