Why is the idea of balance so important in the problem-solving strategy for solving an equation? 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.

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?

During a storm, why do you see the flash of lightning before you hear the roar of thunder? What would it mean if you saw the flash of lightning and heard the roar of thunder at the same time? What would it mean if there were many seconds in between the flash of lightning and the roar of thunder?