You will learn later that the correct answer in this case is:
3 times 11 less 4 = 7 plus 2 times 11
(left side of the equation) (right side of the equation)
Which is the same as
29 = 29 True isn�t it?
Let�s start from the very beginning.
Looking at the equation, we don�t know the value of �x� but we know one important thing:
The LEFT side is EQUAL to the RIGHT side, and we have to believe this and move on with our lives.
Now we arrive at the first confusion about equations: Both sides are equal �in value� only, not the way they look in the paper.
This is similar as stating:
Very easy to believe because you know that
2 plus 3 adds 5, even if
2 + 3 is written differently than the number 5.
The �=� sign is saying both sides are equal in value not in appearance.
So, when you get an equation to solve, you start by believing that the equal sign is telling the absolute truth: both sides are equal in value.