Question

Write a rule for solving equations like x - 4 = 7

Answer 1

You need to get x by itself. To do so you need to perform the opposite operations that are presented in the equation. Also, the operations furthest from the x should be done first.

In this case, there is only one operation (subtraction). To get x by itself we need to ADD 4 to both sides.

x = 11

Answer 2

subtract the total from the factor that you know which is 4. so do 7 - 4 which equals 3. x=3