Clone (algebra)

Okay kiddo, so you know how sometimes in math we have to solve equations like 2+2=4 or 5-3=2? Well, sometimes we have to solve more complicated equations that involve letters instead of numbers.

For example, instead of 2+2, we might have something like x+3=7. And we have to figure out what number x stands for that makes the equation true.

Now, when we have equations like this, it can be really helpful to rewrite them in a different way. One way to do that is to “clone” the equation.

Let's say we have the equation 2x+4=10. To clone this equation, what we do is basically copy it, but with one key difference. We multiply both sides of the equation by the same number.

So let's say we decide to multiply both sides by 2. That would give us:

2(2x+4)=2(10)

Now we have two equations:

2x+4=10

4x+8=20

But since we multiplied both sides of the first equation by 2, we know that the second equation is just a “clone” of the first one.

So why does this help us? Well, sometimes it’s easier to solve the cloned equation instead of the original one.

In this case, we can see that the second equation just simplifies to 4x=12, since 20-8=12. And if we divide both sides by 4, we get x=3.

So the solution to the original equation, 2x+4=10, is x=3.

That's how we use cloning to solve equations. It might seem a little tricky, but it can be a helpful tool to have in your math toolbox!