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by iopq
4421 days ago
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This way you get "proofs" like:
http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/ffiles/10001.1-8.shtml If you have an intuitive understanding like "both sides represent a number, as long as I manipulate it the same way the equation stays true" then you wouldn't have problems with logic when dividing by zero |
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However, I want to point out that the purpose of the 'magic mirror' method is to ease mental math. It frees your brain from having to spend time / space on the extra step of applying the same operation to both sides.
Putting this in the context of 'showing your work':
Normal: x / 3 = 4 => 3 * x / 3 = 4 * 3 => x = 12
Mirror: x / 3 = 4 => x = 4 * 3 = 12
It's a bit complex to describe - I feel how you do basic math such as this is hardwired into your brain at a very young age.