Solve 3(x-2)=21

Firstly, I would explain to the student what exactly the question is asking you to do. When solving an equation we are finding the value of x. I would get the student to read the equation aloud, starting from the x. So the first process done to x is (x-2) and then this entire value is then multiplied by 3. (If the student is not aware that the process inside the brackets is read first, i would make that clear). Since 'multiplied by 3' is the last process spoken, we do the opposite of 'multiply by 3' to the other side of the equals sign: divide by 3, leaving x-2=7. I would then repeat this with the student, the last process done to the x is 'x subtract 2' therefore the opposite should be done to the other side: +2. Leaving the answer x=9.