This lesson allows students to solve two-step equations involving a mythological story line in which the princess (variable) is protected by a bodyguard (number added or subtracted in an equation) and by a protector (number multiplied or divided by the variable). The three characters live in a castle, surrounded by the moat (equal sign) and an innocent bystander that lives outside the castle (number on the opposite side of the variable). However, Ninjas are infiltrating the castle to steal the “valuable” princess. Using this story line, students must then decide who the Ninja must eliminate first to get to the princess. This lesson can also be used to solve equations with like terms on the same side and equations with the same variable on each side.