Students see how simplifying expressions using the order of operations is related to solving two-step equations. Order of operations is like putting your socks on, then your shoes (multiply/divide then add/subtract). When solving equations, you reverse the order. . . shoes off, then socks off (undo addition/subtraction then multiplication/division. Students are shown that an equation is like a balance scale where whatever you do to one side, you do to the other side. Please download the preview to see what it's all about. Student packet is 7 pages, answer key is included.