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P6 Algebra basics

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Algebra — solve

Solve 6x + 5 = 53.

One step of the worked solution to Algebra — solve, drawn in pencil.
6 steps, drawn in pencil

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The pattern behind it: Algebra basics

Use a letter for an unknown number and work with what it means.

In this one. Keep both sides equal. Undo addition on both sides, then undo multiplication on both sides.

3x + 5 = 233x23 - 5 = 18x18 / 3 = 6

How to spot it

A story with a repeated cost and a fixed fee, written as an expression like 4x + 4, points here. So does a value for x to substitute in.

Common mistake

Children swap the two numbers round, using the fixed fee as the price per ticket and the price per ticket as the fixed fee.

Try one like it

Standard Algebra — interpret Tickets cost $6 each, with a booking fee of $5. The total cost in dollars is 6x + 5. What does x represent?
All 10 with this pattern →

The 33 problem patterns

All 33 patterns, one to a page — the 19 behind Primary 5 and 6 word problems, and the skills the younger years are built on. The bar model, how to spot it in the question, and the mistake children make. A booklet you can print. Free.

A PDF, and a note when new solutions go up.