With my daughter in algebra....I can see more clearly how there is a HUGE difference between a reasonable solution and "showing your work" for every little stupid step along the way,
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This is what I'm talking about mainly, Dottie! If the 5th grader can solve for x in 3x+2=17, I think it's pretty obvious they know what's going on. After one or two examples to show they understand the "keep both sides equal" principle, it seems silly to require all the extra steps from then on out. And combining steps in higher level math if you're able just saves time and effort!
Ugh, I went nuts in grade school math!
