Solve a Linear Equation One Variable - Parentheses and Vars on Both Sides

This video explains how to solve a linear equation in one variable with parentheses and variables on both sides.

[zaddylukas]

Thanks for the help I have a test this week!

[chelsey]

Am I the only one who was confused as to why at 4:41 we decided to make life ten times more complicated for no reason by making negative numbers instead of just subtracting to keep the numbers positive?? This is why I struggled to learn math my whole life. Why do we need to make life more complicated when there's a simplified option?? Anyways, just someone who needed help studying for a paraprofessional exam and although this was very helpful, this one point just threw me for a loop. No wonder I abhor this subject...at least explain why we're doing it the difficult way. Also...I'VE NEVER USED THIS IN MY LIFE. Why are we wasting so much time teaching things like this to kids who most likely won't use this, but need real life education like percentages or basic problem solving?? Sorry for the rant, but this traditional way of educating needs to change. Rant over.