LEVEL H · MATH · PARENT GUIDE
Equations don’t have to be intimidating
By the Kumon Answer Book Editorial TeamLast updated:
Help your child see the balance behind every equation.
2x + 4 = 12
What does this guide cover?
- Two-step linear equations
- Simultaneous equations by substitution
- Simultaneous equations by elimination
- Inequalities
- Turning word problems into equations
How should we work through these examples?
Let your child try first, then walk through the steps together. Original examples in the style of the level, written for parents — never reproduced worksheets. These pair with the Math Level H: Linear Equations parent guide for the full level picture.
EXAMPLE 01A parent walkthrough
Solve: 3x - 5 = 16
Undo the minus 5: add 5 to both sides → 3x = 21.
Undo the times 3: divide both sides by 3.
x = 7. Check: 3×7 - 5 = 16 ✓
FINAL ANSWER
x = 7
EXAMPLE 02A parent walkthrough
Solve together: y = 2x and x + y = 12
Substitute y = 2x into the second: x + 2x = 12.
3x = 12, so x = 4.
y = 2 × 4 = 8. Check: 4 + 8 = 12 ✓
FINAL ANSWER
x = 4, y = 8
EXAMPLE 03A parent walkthrough
Solve by elimination: 2x + y = 10 and x - y = 2
Add the equations — the y's cancel: 3x = 12.
x = 4.
Substitute back: 4 - y = 2, so y = 2.
FINAL ANSWER
x = 4, y = 2
Which mistakes should parents watch for?
- Doing an operation to only one side of the equation
- Sign slips when terms cross the equals sign
- Never checking the answer by substituting it back in