Solving equations might seem tricky at first, but there's actually... Show more
Maths711 views·Updated May 31, 2026·1 pageMastering the Basics: Solving Algebraic Equations
marnie@marnie
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Solving Equations Made Simple
The secret to solving equations is remembering one golden rule: change side, change sign. When you move a number from one side of the equals sign to the other, you flip its operation to the opposite.
Here's how the opposites work: addition becomes subtraction, subtraction becomes addition, multiplication becomes division, and division becomes multiplication. It's like the operations are best mates who always do the opposite of each other!
Let's see this in action with some examples. If you have x + 3 = 20, move the +3 to the other side and it becomes -3, giving you x = 20 - 3 = 17. Similarly, x - 7 = 11 becomes x = 11 + 7 = 18.
For trickier equations like 2x - 7 = 11, work step by step. First, deal with the -7 by changing it to +7 on the other side: 2x = 11 + 7 = 18. Then tackle the multiplication by dividing both sides by 2: x = 18 ÷ 2 = 9.
Top Tip: Always work through equations step by step - deal with addition and subtraction first, then handle multiplication and division. This keeps everything neat and prevents silly mistakes!
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Maths711 views·Updated May 31, 2026·1 pageMastering the Basics: Solving Algebraic Equations
marnie@marnie
Solving equations might seem tricky at first, but there's actually a simple method that makes it dead easy. Once you master the "change side, change sign" rule, you'll be solving equations like a pro in no time!
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Solving Equations Made Simple
The secret to solving equations is remembering one golden rule: change side, change sign. When you move a number from one side of the equals sign to the other, you flip its operation to the opposite.
Here's how the opposites work: addition becomes subtraction, subtraction becomes addition, multiplication becomes division, and division becomes multiplication. It's like the operations are best mates who always do the opposite of each other!
Let's see this in action with some examples. If you have x + 3 = 20, move the +3 to the other side and it becomes -3, giving you x = 20 - 3 = 17. Similarly, x - 7 = 11 becomes x = 11 + 7 = 18.
For trickier equations like 2x - 7 = 11, work step by step. First, deal with the -7 by changing it to +7 on the other side: 2x = 11 + 7 = 18. Then tackle the multiplication by dividing both sides by 2: x = 18 ÷ 2 = 9.
Top Tip: Always work through equations step by step - deal with addition and subtraction first, then handle multiplication and division. This keeps everything neat and prevents silly mistakes!
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.
Similar content
Most popular content in Maths
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google 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 SiOS 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 KlichAndroid 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.
AnnaiOS user