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Mastering Algebra: Simple Steps to Solve Equations

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Scarlett Edwardes

05/12/2025

Maths

Solving 'algebraic' problems

568

5 Dec 2025

2 pages

Mastering Algebra: Simple Steps to Solve Equations

user profile picture

Scarlett Edwardes

@scarlett_1917

Algebraic equations might look intimidating with all those letters mixed... Show more

SOLVING ALGEBRAIC' PROBLEMS
DESCRIPTION:
ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS USE LETTERS TO REPRESENT NUMBERS, CREATING FORMULAE.
THESE LETTERS CAN BE USED

Solving Basic Algebraic Equations

Algebraic equations are basically mathematical puzzles where letters stand in for mystery numbers. Think of them as balance scales - whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other to keep things equal.

The golden rule is simple: isolate the variable (usually x) by doing the opposite operations. If something's being added, subtract it. If something's being multiplied, divide it.

Let's break down the process with 3x+2=83x + 2 = 8. First, get rid of that +2 by subtracting 2 from both sides: 3x=63x = 6. Then eliminate the 3 multiplying x by dividing both sides by 3: x=2x = 2.

Top Tip: Always work backwards through the order of operations - tackle addition and subtraction first, then multiplication and division!

For trickier examples like 0.5x3=200.5x - 3 = 20, the same rules apply. Add 3 to both sides to get 0.5x=230.5x = 23, then multiply both sides by 2 (the opposite of dividing by 2) to find x=46x = 46.

SOLVING ALGEBRAIC' PROBLEMS
DESCRIPTION:
ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS USE LETTERS TO REPRESENT NUMBERS, CREATING FORMULAE.
THESE LETTERS CAN BE USED

Tackling Simultaneous Equations

Simultaneous equations are like solving two puzzles at once - you've got two unknowns (x and y) and two equations to work with. The trick is eliminating one variable to find the other.

Start by making one variable the same in both equations through multiplication. In our example, multiply the first equation by 3 and the second by 2 to get matching y coefficients: 24x+6y=13824x + 6y = 138 and 14x+6y=9414x + 6y = 94.

Now subtract one equation from the other to eliminate y completely. This gives us 10x=4410x = 44, so x=4.4x = 4.4. The hard part's done!

Remember: Once you've found one variable, substitute it back into either original equation to find the second one.

Pop x=4.4x = 4.4 back into the first equation: (8×4.4)+2y=46(8 \times 4.4) + 2y = 46. This gives us 35.2+2y=4635.2 + 2y = 46, so 2y=10.82y = 10.8, and finally y=5.4y = 5.4. Job done!



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Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Maths

568

5 Dec 2025

2 pages

Mastering Algebra: Simple Steps to Solve Equations

user profile picture

Scarlett Edwardes

@scarlett_1917

Algebraic equations might look intimidating with all those letters mixed in with numbers, but they're actually just puzzles waiting to be solved! These equations use letters (like x and y) to represent unknown numbers, and once you learn the basic... Show more

SOLVING ALGEBRAIC' PROBLEMS
DESCRIPTION:
ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS USE LETTERS TO REPRESENT NUMBERS, CREATING FORMULAE.
THESE LETTERS CAN BE USED

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Solving Basic Algebraic Equations

Algebraic equations are basically mathematical puzzles where letters stand in for mystery numbers. Think of them as balance scales - whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other to keep things equal.

The golden rule is simple: isolate the variable (usually x) by doing the opposite operations. If something's being added, subtract it. If something's being multiplied, divide it.

Let's break down the process with 3x+2=83x + 2 = 8. First, get rid of that +2 by subtracting 2 from both sides: 3x=63x = 6. Then eliminate the 3 multiplying x by dividing both sides by 3: x=2x = 2.

Top Tip: Always work backwards through the order of operations - tackle addition and subtraction first, then multiplication and division!

For trickier examples like 0.5x3=200.5x - 3 = 20, the same rules apply. Add 3 to both sides to get 0.5x=230.5x = 23, then multiply both sides by 2 (the opposite of dividing by 2) to find x=46x = 46.

SOLVING ALGEBRAIC' PROBLEMS
DESCRIPTION:
ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS USE LETTERS TO REPRESENT NUMBERS, CREATING FORMULAE.
THESE LETTERS CAN BE USED

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Tackling Simultaneous Equations

Simultaneous equations are like solving two puzzles at once - you've got two unknowns (x and y) and two equations to work with. The trick is eliminating one variable to find the other.

Start by making one variable the same in both equations through multiplication. In our example, multiply the first equation by 3 and the second by 2 to get matching y coefficients: 24x+6y=13824x + 6y = 138 and 14x+6y=9414x + 6y = 94.

Now subtract one equation from the other to eliminate y completely. This gives us 10x=4410x = 44, so x=4.4x = 4.4. The hard part's done!

Remember: Once you've found one variable, substitute it back into either original equation to find the second one.

Pop x=4.4x = 4.4 back into the first equation: (8×4.4)+2y=46(8 \times 4.4) + 2y = 46. This gives us 35.2+2y=4635.2 + 2y = 46, so 2y=10.82y = 10.8, and finally y=5.4y = 5.4. Job done!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Maths

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user