Introduction+to+Solving+Equations

There are many different ways to teach how to solve equations. I've tried the scale, operate both sides and moving numbers from left to right. However, none of them seem to be the best way. The following method, is by far the most effective way that I have used (Credit to Einstein's mate, Ray Lawicki):

and This should be practiced until they understand the operation for moving anything across the equal sign. Coincidently, this method also reinforces the rules for 'order of operations'.
 * Step 1:** Do not show students any unknowns yet (i.e. x, a, b). Only show them something they already know, such as whole numbers.


 * Step 2:** Start to feed students with the exact questions from step 1, but with only one unknown (x, a, b, etc). Some students will try to guess the number and not follow the process. Allow them to guess for some time, and proceed to step 3.


 * Step 3:** To prevent students from guessing, as well as to strengthen their algebra skills, give students the exact questions from step 2, but with only letters (without any numbers). This will force them to apply the method taught in steps 1 and 2.