Fran solved the equation 42 = x + 23. Although her final answer was correct, she could have found it in a simpler way. Which sentence best explains why?
She could have just done 42-23 = x and solved the equation in one step because if 23 and x add up to 42, then subtracting one from 42 will result in the other. This means both equations are equivalent, but 42-23 is faster and simpler.
