1. Why is the idea of balance so important in the problem-solving strategy for solving an
equation?
2. You learned earlier that some problems can be rearranged or translated into more than
one mathematical sentence. For example, the equation t + 12 = 15 can be translated into
at least three other mathematical sentences. What are they? Create a simple equation of
your own and then translate it into its other forms.
3. Write your own word problem that can be translated into a simple math equation (like the
one shown in question #2). To solve your equation, what operation(s) would you have to
perform?