01
Move and change the sign
The child cannot say they subtracted 3 from both sides.
Topic hub
Linear equations
A linear equation says two expressions are the same number. Solving it means undoing operations fairly on both sides — not ‘moving’ terms as a magic teleport.
Why this concept matters
This is the first tool children must trust under exam pressure. A ritual that works on 2x + 3 = 11 fails on 2x = x + 5.
Misconceptions, in the order we see them
02
x has to be a whole number
A fractional solution is treated as a mistake.
03
Two variables means guess
A pair of linear equations has no picture (two lines) so substitution is a recipe.
Which classes cover this
Related: Fractions · Decimals · Percentages · Ratio and proportion · Integers
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