Algebra Tutorial: Isolate the Box

Isolate the Box

Let's see if we can come up with a strategy for solving any balance puzzle.

Below is an example of a balance puzzle.

For this puzzle, you should pick x=39, because then both sides will total up to 63.

Notice that if we subtract 24 from both the left and right side, we would get a new puzzle that looks like this:

In this new puzzle, since x is by itself, it is obvious that x=39.

Below is an example of a balance puzzle.

For this puzzle, you should pick x=24, because then both sides will total up to 120.

Notice that if we divide both sides by 5, we would have only one x on the left side and 24 on the right side.