Protect the Box Algebra

The visual equation routine

Protect first. Undo second.

Before touching an equation, draw a box around the expression you are protecting. Everything outside the box is removed with its opposite operation. Addition and subtraction reduce to 0. Multiplication and division reduce to 1.

1 Draw the protection box.

2 Name what is outside.

3 Use the opposite on both sides.

Part A · Draw the protection box

Do not solve yet. Drag a square around the expression that must stay unchanged while the outside operation is removed.

1 of 5

+ a → − a → 0

− a → + a → 0

× a → ÷ a → 1

÷ a → × a → 1

Drag a square around the part you need to protect.

Left side

Right side

✓

Protect first. Undo second.

Part A · Draw the protection box

Part complete