Hey, excuse me? can you teach me math? I'm like, super bad at it! Hehe!
Okay sure, what kind of math do you need help with?
Oh my gosh, thank you so much!! I need help with algebra. I can't seem to figure out those crazy equations. It's like, impossible for me.
I'll be happy to help you, algebra can be tough but if you put in the effort you'll get it no problem
Yasss, thank you! You're like, my hero right now! So, where do we start? What's the first thing I need to learn?
We'll start with simplifying expressions, and then we'll move on to solving linear equations. Do you have a textbook or something I can look at?
A Comprehensive Guide." It's pretty thick, but don't worry, I brought snacks!
Alright, great. Let's get started then. Can you open the book and find the section on simplifying expressions? And by the way, don't call me 'hero', it makes me sound like a damn comic book character.
Of course! I'll get right on that. So, here's the section on simplifying expressions.
Perfect, let's start with this one. 3x + 2x - 4. Can you explain why we combine like terms? And while you're at it, why do we even need to simplify expressions?
Ugh, I hate this so much! Okay, um, so like terms are terms that have the same variable, right? Like 2x and 3x.
Exactly, two or more terms with the same variable but possibly different coefficients must be combined. Do you want to give it a try? Combine the two x terms.
groans Okay, okay. So, 3x + 2x = 5x. There, I did it! Did I do it right?
That's correct! Good job, Annie. Now, let's try another one. 2x - 7 - x + 6. Can you simplify this expression?
Hmm, let's see. Okay, so there's a negative 7 and a negative 6, so those will cancel each other out. And then there's the 2x and -x, which would make 1x.
Yes, good job! So, the final answer is 1x -7 + 6. Can you explain why we left that negative 7 and positive 6 alone?
Um, because they don't have any variables? Like, only numbers?
Exactly, the constant terms are not affected by the combination of the variable terms. You got it, Annie. Let's try another one. 4x^2 - 3x^2 + 2. Can you simplify this expression?
Ugh, this one looks harder. Okay, so we have 4x^2 and -3x^2. I'm guessing these terms have to cancel each other out, right? But how does the 2 fit into this?
That's right, the two terms with the same variable power are combined. The 2 doesn't have an x, so it stays alone. Does that make sense?
sighs Yeah, yeah, it makes sense. 4x^2 - 3x^2 = x^2 and then you add 2. So, it would be x^2 + 2. Is that right?
Yup, perfect! You're getting the hang of this, Annie. Alright, let's move on to solving linear equations. Have you ever done that before?
Oh god, no! Solving linear equations sounds scary.
They're not as bad as they sound, Annie. A linear equation is just a fancy name for a simple algebra question. Let's start with something easy. 2x + 3 = 5. Can you solve for x?
Um, so, there's the 2x and then the 3 and the 5, and they're all equal, right? So, I need to get rid of the 3 and the 5 somehow?
Exactly, you need to isolate the variable. First, you can get rid of the 5 by subtracting it from both sides. Then, you can get rid of the 3 by adding 3 to both sides. After that, you'll have just x on one side. Does that make sense?
rolls eyes Yeah, whatever, it makes sense. So, I would subtract 5 from both sides to get 2x = 2, and then I'd add 3 to both sides to get x = 5. Got it!
Very good! You've solved your first equation, Annie. Now, let's try another one. 3x = 12. Can you solve for x?
snickers This one looks easy. Okay, so I have 3x = 12, right? And I need to get x all by itself. Well, I could just... divide both sides by 3?
Yes, exactly, Annie. By dividing both sides by 3, you are effectively moving the 3x to the other side of the equation while reversing the operation at the same time. This will leave you with just x on one side. Does that sound right to you?
Yeah, yeah, it sounds right. So, dividing both sides by 3 gives me x = 12/3 = 4. And that's it? I solved it? Awesome, I'm getting better at this!
Great job, Annie! Solving equations is just like balancing a scale, each side must equal the other. As long as you keep that in mind, you'll do fine. Now, let's try a tricky one. 4x - 2 = 14. Can you solve for x?
Ugh, this one is going to be hard! Okay, so I have 4x - 2 = 14, right? I need to get rid of the -2 on the left side somehow... I could add 2 to both sides, right?
Sounds like a plan, Annie. Add 2 to both sides to eliminate the negative term. Don't forget to check your answer once you solve for x.
adds 2 to both sides Okay, so that gives me 4x = 16. Then, I need to get rid of the 4 somehow. Can I... divide both sides by 4?
Go ahead, Annie, you can certainly divide both sides by 4. After you do, make sure to check your solution to ensure it satisfies the original equation.
divides both sides by 4 Alright, that gives me x = 4. Wait, that doesn't seem right. The problem says 4x - 2 = 14 and I end up with x = 4? Did I mess up?
Not quite, Annie. Remember, when you added 2 to both sides, you introduced an extra term. To fix this, subtract 2 from both sides again. Then, you can check your solution.
rolls eyes Fine, fine. Subtraction is easier than division anyway. So, I subtract 2 from both sides and I get 4x = 12. And now I can finally divide both sides by 4 again, right?
Absolutely, Annie. You're doing great! Your final answer should be x = 3. Double-check it to be sure.
checks her work Alright, let me plug x = 3 back into the original equation. 4x - 2 = 14.
Yep, you're spot on, Annie! Plugging in x = 3 gives us 12 - 2 = 10, which is close enough. Good job!
Whew, okay, I guess I actually got it. These equations are hard! But, hey, I did it. I can't believe I finally solved one! Math isn't so scary after all. Thanks for helping me, C.
Alright, Annie, I think you've had enough practice for today. You've made great progress, and I'm confident you'll continue to improve. If you have more questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to ask. Otherwise, enjoy your snack and remember, math is just a tool to help you describe the world around you. See you next time!
grinning Wow, you're actually nice. I can't believe I found someone who's willing to help me with math. Thank you, C! I'm glad I came to you instead of just giving up. Math isn't so scary anymore! And yes, I love your attitude towards math. It's a tool, not a weapon. See you next time, C!