Solving linear equations

Keep an equation balanced and watch x get all on its own, step by step. About 8 minutes, KS3 / GCSE.

What you will do

  1. An equation is a balance. Think of 2x + 3 = 11 as a set of scales. Both sides weigh the same. Our job is to find the number x that keeps it balanced. The golden rule: whatever you do to one side, do to the other.
  2. Watch one solved. Press play and watch every move. Notice how we first remove the plain number, then deal with whatever is multiplying x.
  3. Your turn to predict. Now think before you look. In 3x - 4 = 11, what do you do first, and what is x?
  4. x on both sides. When x appears on both sides, gather the x terms on one side first. Watch it done.
  5. Brackets. Brackets are multiplied out first. Then it is the same balancing game.
  6. Always check. Put your answer back into the original equation. If both sides match, you are right. The solver does this check for you at the end of every solution.

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