Sammy is learning algebra. He’s trying to solve the equation:
2 (X – 12) = X + 12
Sammy: First, multiply the 2, so we get:
2X – 24 = X + 12
Sammy: Then, I remove –24 from one side by adding 24 to both sides:
2X – 24 + 24 = X + 24
2X = 24
X = 12
Dad: That’s wrong. What happened to the 12 on the right side?
Sammy: It died.
* * *
Sometimes Daddy emails Mummy from work to ask if he needs to pick up anything from the supermarket on the way home.
Daddy: (via email) Sweetie, I’m going to buy wholemeal bread, white toast, anything else?
Mummy: (via email) Please buy wholemeal bread, white toast, 6 Big Mac, 20,000 french fries, 8000000 tons of cheese.
(Sammy was using Mummy’s computer at the time, saw Daddy’s email, and tried his luck).
* * *
