Sample Solution

Let's consider the equation 4x + 5 = 2x + 13. The student first represents this equation on the flat laminated balance scale using the game pieces. The blue pawns represent the x's, and the numbered cubes represent the constant. The student is then ready to perform the legal moves in order to simplify and solve the equation. The procedure is illustrated below: 

From this we see that x = 4. The check, in the original physical setup, reveals that 21=21.

[ Note: The above example is taken from Lesson #4 of the program. The three previous lessons help the student to arrive at, and understand, the above solution. Later on in the program, the student will also work with white pawns, which represent the opposite of x, and with green cubes, which represent negative constants. No previous formal algebraic experience is assumed for success with the program.]