1. An Introduction to Algebra
Hands-on Equations
An Introduction to Algebra

2. The Pieces
The following pieces we will be using for the first few lessons:
Blue Pawns –> x
Red Cubes -> Numbers
Scale -> shows balance

3. Rules 1 & 2
You may remove the same number of blue pawns from each side of the scale.
You may remove the same cube amount from each side of the scale.

4. Rule 2a
You may remove pawns as part of the set-up. This is done for subtraction operations.

5. Rule 2c You need to rewrite problems with parentheses before solving.
Ex (x + 3) = x + 8
2x + 6 = X + 8
Ex (2x + 1) = 18
4x + 2 = 18
X = = 10
X = = 18

6. Rules 3 & 3a
The following piece we will be using for the next few lessons:
White Pawns –> > Opposite X
If X equals 2, then opposite equals -2
3. You may remove the same number of white pawns from each side of the scale.
3a. The word evaluate means: solve the problem by replacing your variable with what it equals and follow the order of operations. X X

7. Rules 4 & 5
You may remove a blue and white from the same side because together they equal zero.
You may add a zero during set-up.
HINTS – add the zero to the side without cubes or the smaller cube amount
- should be added for subtraction when there is nothing to take away.

8. Rule 5a & 5b
5a. You may add a blue pawn to each side of the scale. By adding the pawn to each side, the scale stays balanced
5b. You may add a white pawn to each side of the scale. By adding the pawn to each side, the scale stays balanced.

9. Review and New
A zero should be added for subtraction when there is nothing to take away.
(-x) is another way to write . X

10. Rules 6 & 7 The Green Dice represent negative numbers
You may remove the same amount from the green dice on both sides.
The same amount of red and green dice equal zero. Zero’s may be added or taken away.

11. Rule 8 & 9
You may add the same number of red dice to each side of the scale.
You may add the same number of green dice to each side of the scale.