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The question mark is the unknown, so we will refer to the exercise as an equation.
We arrange the exercise to isolate the question mark:
We reduce:
We move to thevariable to the other side and change to the correct sign:
We move the 5 to the other side and change to the correct sign:
\( 8 - 2 + 6 = \)
Rearranging helps you combine like terms and see the problem more clearly. Instead of working with 17 - ? + 4 = 5, you get the simpler form 21 - ? = 5.
Remember the golden rule: when you move a term across the equals sign, change its sign. If you move +4, it becomes -4 on the other side.
Yes! You could also think of it as , which gives . Multiple approaches can work as long as you follow algebraic rules.
The question mark represents the unknown value we're solving for. Once you find that ? = 16, substitute 16 wherever you see the question mark.
When you move a term across the equals sign, it becomes its opposite operation. Addition becomes subtraction, and subtraction becomes addition. This keeps the equation balanced!
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