Dividing, subtracting, or multiplying both sides of an equation by the same number allows you to create an equivalent expression that is easier to solve or that isolates the unknown variable. These operations preserve the equality between the original and new expressions.

1. Balancing Equations/Equivalent Expressions
Dividing both sides by the same number allows
you to create an easier expression and to
solve for your unknown variable.

2. Subtracting the same number from both
sides creates an equivalent expression.

4. Multiplying both sides by the same number
helps you to create an equivalent
expression.