Solving Simple Algebra Equations

Finding Mr. Abraka’s Number

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Mr. Abraka thought of a number.
   • He added 3 times the number to the number.
   • The result is 2 times the number plus 4.
2. Set Up the Equation:
   • Let’s call the number “X”.
   • Adding 3 times the number: X + 3X.
   • Resulting equation: X + 3X = 2X + 4.
3. Simplify the Equation:
   • Combine like terms:
     • X + 3X is the same as 4X.
     • So, 4X = 2X + 4.
4. Solve for X:
   • Move 2X from the right side to the left side:
     • 4X – 2X = 4.
     • Simplify to get: 2X = 4.
5. Find the Value of X:
   • Divide both sides by 2:
     • 2X / 2 = 4 / 2.
     • So, X = 2.
6. Check the Answer:
   • Original number (X) is 2.
   • 3 times the number: 3 * 2 = 6.
   • Add to the number: 2 + 6 = 8.
   • 2 times the number plus 4: 2 * 2 + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8.
   • Both sides match, so the number is correct!

Example with Emoji

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Mr. Abraka 🤔 thought of a number.
   • He added 3 times the number ➕➕➕.
   • The result is 2 times the number ➗ plus 4 ➕4.
2. Set Up the Equation:
   • Let’s call the number “X” (X represents the number) ➕X.
   • X + 3X = 2X + 4.
3. Simplify the Equation:
   • Combine like terms:
     • X + 3X = 4X ➕➕.
     • 4X = 2X + 4.
4. Solve for X:
   • Move 2X from the right side to the left side ➡️:
     • 4X – 2X = 4.
     • Simplify to get: 2X = 4.
5. Find the Value of X:
   • Divide both sides by 2 ➗:
     • 2X / 2 = 4 / 2.
     • So, X = 2.
6. Check the Answer:
   • Original number (X) is 2 🧮.
   • 3 times the number: 3 * 2 = 6 ➗.
   • Add to the number: 2 + 6 = 8 ➕.
   • 2 times the number plus 4: 2 * 2 + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8 ➕4.
   • Both sides match ✅, so the number is correct!

This method helps students understand how to solve the problem step-by-step and ensures they grasp the basic concepts of algebra.