Mastering the Basics: Solving Algebraic Equations

marnie

12/21/2025

Maths

solving equations

400

•

Dec 21, 2025

•

1 page

Mastering the Basics: Solving Algebraic Equations

marnie

@marnie

Solving equations might seem tricky at first, but there's actually... Show more

Solving Equations
The method we use to solve equations is called.
-change side change sign
topposite is -
。- opposite is t
o x opposite is -

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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Maths

•

400

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Dec 21, 2025

•

1 page

Mastering 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

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.

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!