Solve for \( j \) \( j-418=296 \) \( j=\square \)

To solve for \( j \) in the equation \( j - 418 = 296 \), you simply need to isolate \( j \). You can do this by adding 418 to both sides of the equation: \[ j - 418 + 418 = 296 + 418 \] This simplifies to: \[ j = 714 \] So, \( j = 714 \). Now, why did we add 418? Well, balancing equations is like making sure both sides have the same weight— if you remove or add something to one side, you must do the same to the other. This ensures that the equality remains intact! If you're curious about math in everyday life, solving for missing values like this is handy in budgeting, cooking, or even during shopping sales to find out how much more you need to pay or should offer. Equations are all around us!