Mathematics is not only about finding the right answers. It is, above all, about learning t

Maybe you will interested this book, titled “Let’s Solve an Equation,” is like throwing a lifebuoy to someone who has fallen overboard. I remember being in that situation myself—when I had to transfer (or more precisely, move) one term of an equation from one side to the other, thinking I should keep the same sign in front of it. Or when expanding brackets, I would apply the minus sign only to the first term after the brackets. In short, after such transformations, my equation often ended up having very little in common with the original. But over time, as equations seemed endless in my life, I decided to finally get to grips with them. It seems I’ve moved to a more meaningful level of understanding by asking “why?” and “what for?” I suggest you do the same, especially if you’re not entirely satisfied with the formal textbook rules enclosed in boxes. Let’s begin with equality. What does it mean? For example: 1 + 1 = 2 I believe this should be understood as an indisputable fact: the result of adding two ones is two. Let’s try to prove it through this fun poem: Three and Three A May bug buzzed on the cherry tree, Two bumblebees hummed noisily. Three magpies chattered, sharp and bright, While sparrows fought—a noisy sight. Come on, my friends, let’s count them all— The ones that flew, the ones that crawl. A bug (just one), and then come two, Add fingers up—that’s what we do. The first is one, then comes the next, The third one follows—quite perplexed. Then fourth and fifth, all in a row, Not one of them says, “Let’s go!” On the second hand appear— The sixth, the seventh, eighth is near. Then ninth and tenth, all standing proud— Ten fingers now, so shout out loud! And now, you magpies, take your seat— Three chatterboxes, sharp and sweet. Three and three—we see again, That’s not three eyes—but six small friends. If this was easy—just you wait, The next part might not feel so straight: Three elephants—and three more too— Could this be some confusing clue? I thought and thought, and drew a bit, But then erased—it didn’t fit. I rubbed so hard, I must confess— An elephant-sized hole, no less! So now I think, with some regret— Three plus three… but don’t forget: When drawing things that weigh a ton, <