How to use the one-step equation intuition exercise | Linear equations | Algebra I | Khan Academy

To find the value of a variable, you sometimes have to get it on one side of the equation alone. To do that, you'll need to do something to BOTH sides of the equation. Watch. We'll explain why we do this.

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Algebra I on Khan Academy: Algebra is the language through which we describe patterns. Think of it as a shorthand, of sorts. As opposed to having to do something over and over again, algebra gives you a simple way to express that repetitive process. It's also seen as a "gatekeeper" subject. Once you achieve an understanding of algebra, the higher-level math subjects become accessible to you. Without it, it's impossible to move forward. It's used by people with lots of different jobs, like carpentry, engineering, and fashion design. In these tutorials, we'll cover a lot of ground. Some of the topics include linear equations, linear inequalities, linear functions, systems of equations, factoring expressions, quadratic expressions, exponents, functions, and ratios.

About Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Our math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. We've also partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content.

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[SamuraiGuevara]

really way to explain a concept students find difficult to understand at first. So awesome. khan, sir, you continue to out do yourself. Keep it up.

[arthurdevasto]

i was blown away by thevideos inmy lesson . It broke down what and howwe use these algebraic equuations. keep my lessons coming and please add the beginners course to computers

[veronicak]

I'm glad i've gotten into this program, i'm not good in math and Khan Academy is the boom. I am very happy learning new things and will continue to stupid with this program. Thanks

[DrJimGoetz]

very simple and cool way of learning this.

[PeterWraaeMarino]

I know... i'm just making fun... and it's funny because it's true... anyway you are right it is the concept that counts and that is what the video is about ;)

[nikkibabiie]

Can you simplify radicals 1-100 please?

[Bosferatus]

C'mon man, its the concept what count ! :)

[bmendes]

Maybe they should have put scales instead of a seesaw.

[PeterWraaeMarino]

the 5 blocks and old spice man are not evenly spaced from the middle.. so old spice man does not weight 5 blocks

[JonathanJCrabtreePodometicMath]

Given the children who need to learn this, are most likely playing on a seesaw (teeter-totter) they would know you can balance a heavier child with a lighter child by having the lighter child sit further away from the middle than the heavier child.

So because Old Spice Man is further away from the middle than the weight on the other side and the seesaw balances, Old Spice Man weighs LESS than the weight on the other side.

I suggest teachers NOT use this video and instead create their own lesson using a set of balance scales often seen in images of a judge weighing up the two sides of an argument.