Question

Tucker was asked to solve the equation 5x + 3 = 6x + 1. He did not know if his first step should be to add 5 negative x-tiles, or 1 negative unit tile, to both sides. What advice would you give Tucker to help him decide on his first step? Explain.

Answer 1

Sample Response: It does not matter which he does first. Either way, zero pairs will be created on both sides, which will isolate the variable to determine x. Adding the x-tiles and then the unit tile, or visa versa, will give the same solution.

Answer 2

It does not matter which he does first. Either way, zero pairs will be created on both sides, which will isolate the variable to determine x. Adding the x-tiles and then the unit tile, or visa versa, will give the same solution.