What is an equation?

Part of Mathematics and NumeracyAlgebra

Watch: What is an equation?

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How do you solve equations?

6 + x = 15

When you are solving an equation, you have to move everything except the missing number to one side.

Anything you do to one side, you must also do to the other.

For example:

6 + x = 15

To work out the value of x, first subtract 6 from the left side.

6 + x - 6 = x

Then subtract 6 from the right side too.

15 - 6 = 9

So you are left with x = 9.

6 + x = 15
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Teaching resources

Are you looking for more resources to support your teaching of equations? This short video clip explains and explores the basic principles of algebra.

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Primary maths teaching resources

Visit BBC Bitesize for Teachers to see videos, activities and more resources to use in maths classes for KS1 and KS2.

Primary maths teaching resources
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