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"This virtual manipulative allows you to solve simple linear equations through the use of a balance beam. Unit blocks (representing 1s) and X-boxes (for the unknown, X), are placed on the pans of a balance beam. Once the beam balances to represent the given linear equation, you can choose to perform any arithmetic operation, as long as you DO THE SAME THING TO BOTH SIDES, thus keeping the beam balanced. The goal, of course, is to get a single X-box on one side, with however many unit blocks needed for balance, thus giving the value of X."

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